Hastings Man Pleads Guilty to Murder of Partner After Five-Year Investigation

A Hastings man, Ri Charles Raymond Nikora, 48, has pleaded guilty to the murder of his partner, Kathleen Lorna Kawana, 45, between 20 and 22 June 2019. The case, which had remained unsolved for five years, was resolved when Nikora appeared in the High Court in Napier and admitted to the crime. He also admitted to injuring her with intent to injure, representing the violence he inflicted on her over three years prior to her death.

Justice Dale La Hood remanded Nikora in custody for sentencing next month. The case has been described as a tragic and long-awaited resolution for the family of Kawana, who had endured years of uncertainty and pain.

Discovery of the Body

Kawana's body was found in an abandoned farmhouse southwest of Ruatoria on 3 August 2019, more than six weeks after she was last seen alive at her Titahi Bay home. The body was discovered by the property's new owner, lying on a mattress with two camp stretchers covering her. Nikora had known the farmhouse well, having spent time in the area during his childhood.

The Evidence Trail

According to a Crown summary of facts, Nikora left Kawana's Titahi Bay home with her in his car on the night of 20 to 21 June. It is unclear whether she was alive or dead at that time. Police analysis of his bank records and CCTV footage showed he drove from Titahi Bay to Hastings, Gisborne, and finally to Ruatoria.

The summary indicated that Nikora assaulted Kawana, causing injuries that led to her death, and placed her body in the boot of his car, either while she was injured or dead.

Nikora accidentally opened the boot of his car while trying to open the fuel flap at a Gull service station in Hastings on the morning of 21 June. He is seen in the footage rushing to close the boot and looking around to see if anyone had noticed. On 23 June, Nikora sent a message to Kawana's daughter using her phone, pretending to be her, to explain her absence.

Forensic Evidence and Legal Implications

Kawana's DNA was found in the boot of Nikora's car, which he had sold to someone else. A Warehouse receipt was also found near the body, for a hoodie that Nikora was later wearing when he took a selfie on the inter-island ferry. Forensic analysis of seven cigarette butts and a soft drink bottle found near Kawana's body revealed Nikora's DNA.

During their relationship, Nikora was known to be jealous and controlling of Kawana. The summary of facts describes multiple incidents of violence and assault, including one where he beat her unconscious and performed CPR to revive her. A relative who saw her later that day reported that she had bruising around her neck and face, and her eyes were bloodshot as if she had been strangled. Another incident involved a teenage friend witnessing Nikora punching Kawana repeatedly in the face and putting her in a choke hold until she 'went limp'.

A Long and Painful Wait for Justice

Despite their close relationship, Nikora was not arrested for Kawana's murder until May 2024, nearly five years after she died. The arrest followed the piecing together of an evidence trail and forensic work. The police investigation team has worked hard to get to this point and provide answers for Kawana's family.

This case highlights the importance of persistent forensic investigations and the role of modern technology in bringing closure to victims' families. It also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse and the need for stronger support systems for victims.