20 May 2013

Man charged with murder of Far North couple

7:08 pm on 20 May 2013

A man accused of killing a Far North couple has been remanded in custody.

Edwin Ivan Maheno, 38, appeared in the Kaitaia District Court on Monday afternoon charged with two counts of murder.

The 38-year-old was arrested after an incident at a property on Fairburn Road, east of Kaitaia, on Sunday.

Ivan Maheno, who was 44 years old, died at the scene while his partner, Carmen Fay Maheno 38, was taken to Whangarei Hospital where she later died.

Police say Edwin Maheno, who is related to the victims, handed himself in. He was remanded until the end of May while a psychiatric report is prepared.

Police say they are continuing their investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Burke told Morning Report the deaths were a tragedy that had affected a family and the greater community.

He said the two children are being looked after by their wider family.

Te Hiku community board chairman Dennis Bowman said the deaths were an utter shock.