10 Oct 2016

Queensland murder trial over Kiwi's death begins today

11:19 am on 10 October 2016

The trial of the man accused of killing a New Zealand tourist on Queensland's Gold Coast begins today in Brisbane.

Warriena Wright (known as Rrie)

Warriena Wright (known as Rrie) Photo: SUPPLIED BY QUEENSLAND POLICE

The Gold Coast man is accused of killing Warriena Tagpuno Wright, who he met on the dating app Tinder, while she was visiting Australia.

Ms Wright, 26, was found dead at the base of the high-rise Avalon Apartments unit in Surfers Paradise in August 2014.

She had been on a two-week holiday to attend a friend's wedding and met Mr Tostee, a carpet layer, at the end of her trip.

Mr Tostee has pleaded not guilty and will be represented by high-profile barrister Saul Holt.

His trial is expected to last seven days.

During a recent bail hearing, Mr Tostee's lawyer said he locked Ms Wright on his balcony and she apparently fell after climbing over a railing.

But the Crown said Mr Tostee committed a life-threatening act by assaulting Ms Wright and locking her on his balcony, causing her to fear for her life and try to escape.

Since being charged with Ms Wright's murder, Mr Tostee has served 10 months behind bars for a high-speed police pursuit which took place after a music festival in Byron Bay in July last year.

- RNZ / ABC

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs