Kaitāia man accused of murdering Archibald McKenzie denies charge in High Court appearance
Edmonds was then arrested and appeared in the Kaikohe District Court last month.
At today's second appearance, he entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge.
As Justice David Johnstone dictated his formal minute of the proceedings, he mentioned that McKenzie was Edmonds' uncle, triggering some emotion from the packed public gallery.
'He's not our whānau, bro,' one person said, referring to Edmonds.
Edmonds began to shuffle on his feet while in the dock.
Then, as the hearing finished and he was being led away to be taken back into custody, he began a mihi to the people in the public gallery, addressing them in te reo Māori.
As security guards tried to move him on, Edmonds said to the gallery, 'Aroha mai whānau, aroha mai. I wanted to apologise earlier through our cousin.'
His lawye, Mathew Ridgley, told him to stop talking, to which Edmonds responded, 'I have to 'cause they're my whānau.'
'We're not your whānau,' a member of the public said.
A three-week trial has been scheduled to begin on September 20, 2027.
Edmonds will next appear for a case review hearing on July 4.
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For this report, we looked at the performance under the Oranga Tamariki Act – this Act places specific obligations on Police and Oranga Tamariki. It is clear there are opportunities to do better and this report highlights some of those. 'Data shows that tamariki and rangatahi Māori in the system today have similar hopes and aspirations for their future as those not in system. As one rangatahi we met with told us they'd 'just like to grow up successful and, if I find the right person, to give my kids what I couldn't have',' Mr Jones said. Read the report on our website Aroturuki Tamariki – the Independent Children's Monitor checks that organisations supporting and working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau, are meeting their needs, delivering services effectively, and improving outcomes. We monitor compliance with the Oranga Tamariki Act and the associated regulations, including the National Care Standards. 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NZ Herald
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Privacy commissioner inquiry finds supermarket facial recognition tech's use is justified
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