Wellington homicide: two women charged in connection with the murder of Rau Tōngia at his home in Karori

Two women facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Wellington man Rau Tongia will keep their names secret for now.

A 35-year-old woman has been accused of murdering Tongia on December 20, while a 20-year-old woman is accused of being an accessory to the murder.

Both women have appeared today in the Wellington District Court.

Court documents allege that the younger women “actively suppressed the evidence” by transporting and concealing a firearm on an associate’s property to help someone avoid a conviction.

His lawyer requested the provisional removal of the name on the grounds that his elderly grandfather would suffer “shock and horror” and possible harm to his health if he learned of his position on the news.

Judge Mill granted the request.

The older woman also appeared this afternoon. His attorney also advocated for the provisional removal of the name because he was concerned about his mental health.

Judge Mill said there did not appear to be strong grounds for granting the request, but agreed to grant it pending a mental health evaluation.

The deletion will be reviewed in the next appearance.

None of the defendants have pleaded guilty to their respective charges. They were placed on remand to reappear in Wellington High Court the next month.

Tongia was found dead in his Karori home late last month.

Despite the murder charge, the police are still asking the public for information.

“The investigation is still active and the police still want to hear from anyone who has information that could help,” said a statement this morning.

“The police are not ruling out the possibility of further charges.”

Anyone who has seen or heard something suspicious in the early hours of Sunday, December 20, and who has not spoken to authorities, is urged to contact the police immediately on 105.

Police revealed yesterday that they had located a firearm that they believed was related to his death.

The firearm was found during a search warrant in Wilton earlier this month, police said.

“He is currently in forensic analysis.”

Police said they are also investigating whether or not the weapon is related to some other crime across the district.

“While the tests are being carried out, the police [are] unable to provide more information about the firearm, “police said.

“No one should have to endure this activity in their neighborhood and we will continue to target those involved in violent crime.”