Latest news with #DanielNganeko
RNZ News
04-08-2025
- RNZ News
'Coward punch' laws need to be fast-tracked, says family of New Plymouth victim
By Tara Shaskey, Open Justice reporter in Taranaki of New Plymouth videographer Daniel Nganeko died after a coward punch outside a rugby club. Photo: Supplied Whānau and friends of a man who died from an alleged coward punch are calling for the fast-tracking of a new law introducing tougher penalties for such crimes. Daniel Nganeko, 37, was allegedly punched by Daytona Thompson outside the Tukapa Rugby and Sports Club in New Plymouth on 26 July. Thompson pleaded guilty to assault two days later, but that was withdrawn after Nganeko died on Tuesday. An elevated charge of manslaughter has since been filed, to which Thompson has yet to plead. The maximum penalty for manslaughter is life imprisonment. In June, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced a new law that will introduce an assault offence for one-punch attacks which cause grievous bodily harm. The maximum penalty when the offender intended to cause injury or acted with a disregard for safety would be eight years' imprisonment. If an offender was found to have intended to cause grievous bodily harm, the maximum penalty would be 15 years. The new law would also see a culpable homicide offence for such attacks which resulted in death, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The new offences would be added to the Three Strikes Regime. A Givealittle page set up after Nganeko's death stated all funds raised would not only go to his whānau to help with funeral and memorial costs, but also towards advocacy and support to fast-track the introduction of the pending law. "We want justice for Daniel, and for every injury and life lost to this horrible violence. We will make sure his story is heard, not just as a tragedy, but as a call to action," the page, which has raised more than $25,000 in two days, stated. The page described Nganeko, a videographer and Tukapa Rugby supporter, as a cherished son, twin brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend who was known for his creativity, kindness and infectious smile. "We are committed to ensuring Daniel's death is not in vain," it said. Nganeko's twin brother Cameron Nganeko demanded change in a statement shared on the page. In questions to Goldsmith about whether the government would consider the calls to fast-track the new law, NZME was advised he was unable to comment on individual cases. However, his office provided information on the incoming Coward Punch offence, which would be introduced as part of a Crimes Act Amendment Bill. It said it would be introduced before the end of the year, with the aim of being passed into law before the next election. Normal practice would be that only offending that happens after the "take effect" day would be covered by the new law. There would not be a mandatory minimum period of imprisonment imposed for such attacks that resulted in death. Goldsmith said in his earlier announcement that a "coward punch" got its name for obvious reasons. "These attacks affect everyday Kiwis and are often committed by cowardly attackers, who strike when the victim is distracted. "We know how dangerous they are. People can be killed or suffer lifelong brain injuries, yet perpetrators often receive lenient and insufficient sentences." According to the summary of facts relating to the assault charge, Nganeko was hit once by Thompson "without any obvious provocation". He fell backwards and his head hit the edge of the footpath. Nganeko died after he was flown to Auckland City Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a fractured skull and extensive brain injuries with damage to his frontal and rear lobe. Thompson is expected to enter a plea to the manslaughter charge at a hearing in the High Court at New Plymouth on 15 August. A service to celebrate Nganeko's life will be held at Francis Douglas Memorial College, where he attended school, this weekend. On Saturday, a moment of silence was held before the Ranfurly Shield rugby match between Taranaki and Northland. - This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald .
RNZ News
01-08-2025
- RNZ News
Daytona Thompson charged with manslaughter after the one-punch death of Daniel Nganeko in New Plymouth
By Tara Shaskey, Open Justice reporter of Daytona Thompson is expected to enter a plea to a charge of manslaughter at his next court hearing on August 15. Photo: Supplied / NZME / Open Justice The young man who fatally punched another man in an allegedly unprovoked attack outside a rugby clubroom has been charged with manslaughter. Friday afternoon, Daytona Thompson, 22, appeared in the New Plymouth District Court where the elevated charge was filed after the death of Daniel Nganeko. The courtroom was packed with whānau and friends of Nganeko and Thompson. Outside, an even bigger crowd of their loved ones gathered as the brief hearing took place. Judge Tony Greig addressed the court's public gallery before Thompson was brought into the dock, acknowledging the "profound tragedy" that had occurred for both whānau. He said he understood their grief and asked for calm, which was respected. On Monday, Thompson pleaded guilty to a charge of assault after punching Nganeko, 37, on Saturday night outside the Tukapa Rugby & Sports Club in New Plymouth. Then on Tuesday, Nganeko died in Auckland City Hospital. According to the summary of facts relating to the assault, provided to NZME, Tukapa Rugby Club held its end-of-season senior prizegiving awards on Saturday, which Thompson attended. He was not a club member but was there in support of a member who was receiving an award. Nganeko, who did not know Thompson, was also at the event as a club supporter. The prizegiving finished around 11.20pm after an excessive noise complaint was served on the club, the summary stated. Nganeko, a videographer, was standing with a group of friends on the footpath on Gladstone Rd, across from the rugby grounds. Thompson approached Nganeko, and the pair began talking. The summary said that "without any obvious provocation", Thompson then swivelled and threw a punch with his "clenched right fist", which struck Nganeko on his chin. Nganeko fell backwards onto the ground, and his head hit the edge of the footpath. Daniel Nganeko. File photo. Photo: Supplied Thompson then ran from the scene. The summary said Nganeko was flown to Auckland City Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a fractured skull and extensive brain injuries with damage to his frontal and rear lobes. He was placed on life support. The next day, Thompson handed himself in to the New Plymouth Police Station, the summary stated. He was unable to offer any explanation as to why he hit Nganeko and said he had issues recalling the events of the night because of how much alcohol he had consumed. "He had vague memories of the conversation with the victim and believes he unnecessarily reacted to a comment made by the victim," the summary stated. Thompson had been bailed after his guilty plea to the assault. However, at today's hearing, he consented to a remand in custody. Defence lawyer Julian Hannam said Thompson would enter a plea to the manslaughter charge at his next hearing, which is due to be held in the High Court at New Plymouth on 15 August. Judge Greig said he believed the plea would be "a comfort" for both whānau. Crown prosecutor Cherie Clarke asked for the earlier charge of assault to be withdrawn, which Judge Greig granted. Tukapa Rugby Club paid tribute to Nganeko on Facebook after his death, saying he was a passionate supporter of the club who "gave his time, his energy, and his heart to our community". "We stand united in support of the Nganeko family and all those affected," Tukapa chairman Scott Siffleet wrote. "In moments like these, we must draw on the strength of our Tukapa community - showing compassion, care and solidarity. "We trust that justice will be served, and in the meantime, let us honour Daniel's life by standing together, as one club." Taranaki Community Rugby also posted on Facebook, acknowledging the "deep sadness" after Nganeko's death. "Our heartfelt aroha goes to the Nganeko whānau, a long-standing and respected Tukapa family. "We stand in support of Daniel's whānau, friends and all those affected by this tragedy, and trust that the justice process will bring swift accountability. "There is no place for violence in our sport or our community." According to Nganeko's LinkedIn page, he graduated from Media Design School in 2015 and has worked as a videographer for organisations such as Specsavers, the National Gallery of Victoria and 77 Productions. Nganeko also worked as a visual journalist for Stuff from October last year until earlier this year. *This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald .
