Abduction and Assault Testimony Sheds Light on Ongoing Trial in Anaru Moana Case

A chilling account of abduction and violence has emerged in the ongoing trial relating to the disappearance of Anaru Moana, a 37-year-old man from South Canterbury who vanished in December 2021. The testimony was provided by Heremaia Repia-King, a former roommate of Moana, who claimed he was kidnapped and violently assaulted by a group of masked individuals who were searching for Moana.

According to Repia-King, he was confronted by unknown individuals, taken into the backseat of a car, and questioned about Moana's whereabouts. During the assault, Repia-King was physically restrained with his hands cabled together and suffered punches and elbow strikes to the head. He also sustained small stab wounds on his forearm and thigh after one of the attackers took his Stanley knife. Following the brutal beating, Repia-King was dumped into a gravel pit, either in Weston or Maheno, and was later told he owed $60,000 with 16 weeks to pay.

Despite the severity of the attack, Repia-King could not recall the identities or descriptions of the attackers. However, he did report the incident to the police. His testimony has added another layer of complexity to the trial, which is currently being held in Christchurch. The accused in the case include Hayden Burt, Aaron Boden, and the siblings Cody and Korina Boyes, along with Joseph Cropley, who all face charges of kidnapping and injuring with intent.

Prosecutors allege that Moana was lured to a reserve near Waimate and ambushed in a revenge attack. However, Burt’s defense lawyer has claimed that his client did not kill or seriously assault Moana and had no intention of causing harm. Boden, on the other hand, has admitted to manslaughter but not murder, stating that he was involved in an unlawful act that led to Moana’s death but does not claim direct responsibility for the killing.

The defense has also argued that Cody Boyes, who was in possession of a firearm, did not play a substantive role in the events. The trial will resume on Thursday, with the court continuing to scrutinize the evidence and testimonies surrounding the case.

Moana’s disappearance has captured widespread public attention, with police efforts to locate him intensifying over the years. His body has never been found, and the case remains under active judicial review. As the trial progresses, the court will determine the extent of each defendant's involvement and whether the charges of kidnapping and injury with intent will be upheld.

The case raises critical questions about the nature of the violence and the motives behind the alleged revenge attack. It also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving cold cases, particularly when key evidence remains elusive and witnesses are unable to provide full details of the events.