Daytona Thompson Charged with Manslaughter After Fatal One-Punch Attack in New Plymouth
Daytona Thompson Charged with Manslaughter After Fatal One-Punch Attack in New Plymouth
By Tara Shaskey, Open Justice reporter
Daytona Thompson, 22, has been charged with manslaughter following the one-punch death of Daniel Nganeko, 37, outside a rugby club in New Plymouth. Thompson is expected to enter a plea to the charge at his next court hearing on August 15 in the High Court.
During Friday’s hearing in the New Plymouth District Court, the courtroom was filled with Nganeko’s family and friends, as well as those close to Thompson. Outside the courthouse, a large crowd of loved ones gathered, reflecting the deep impact of the tragedy on the community.
Judge Tony Greig addressed the court before Thompson was brought into the dock, acknowledging the profound grief felt by both families. He urged the public to remain calm, which was respected by all present.
Thompson had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of assault for punching Nganeko on Saturday night outside the Tukapa Rugby & Sports Club. The incident occurred after the club’s end-of-season senior prizegiving awards, which Thompson attended in support of a club member. Nganeko, who did not know Thompson, was also at the event as a club supporter.
According to the summary of facts provided by NZME, the prizegiving ended around 11:20 PM after a noise complaint was filed. Nganeko, a videographer, was with a group of friends on the footpath when Thompson approached him. The pair began talking, and without any obvious provocation, Thompson turned and struck Nganeko with a clenched right fist, hitting him on the chin.
Nganeko fell backward, hitting his head on the edge of the footpath. He was rushed to Auckland City Hospital, where scans revealed a fractured skull and extensive brain damage. He was placed on life support and later died.
Thompson reportedly handed himself in to police the next day, admitting he had no explanation for his actions and stated that alcohol had impaired his memory of the events. He claimed he had reacted to a comment made by Nganeko, though he could not recall the details.
Thompson had been bailed after his guilty plea to the assault, but at the hearing, he consented to being remanded in custody. His defense lawyer, Julian Hannam, confirmed that Thompson would enter a plea to the manslaughter charge at his next court hearing.
Judge Greig expressed hope that the plea would bring some comfort to both families. The Crown prosecutor, Cherie Clarke, requested the earlier assault charge be withdrawn, which the judge granted.
The Tukapa Rugby Club paid tribute to Nganeko on Facebook, calling him a passionate supporter who “gave his time, his energy, and his heart to our community.” The club expressed solidarity with Nganeko’s family and called for unity in the face of tragedy.
Nganeko, who graduated from Media Design School in 2015, had worked as a videographer for several high-profile organizations, including Specsavers, the National Gallery of Victoria, and 77 Productions. He was also a visual journalist for Stuff until earlier this year.
As the community mourns, the case has reignited discussions about the consequences of impulsive violence and the importance of accountability. With the trial set to continue, the focus remains on justice for Nganeko and the healing of those affected.
Further Reading:
