A second man has been charged with the assault of a Tauranga neighbourhood volunteer who was later found dead in November last year.
Mihaka Ratahi, 21, appeared in Tauranga District Court on Monday charged with assaulting Lance Scullin, 50, using a piece of wood as a weapon.
Another man charged with assault, 32-year-old Anthony Taikato, indicated that he would defend the charge.
Mr Ratahi, Mr Taikato, Shem Williams, Zodiac Taikato and Lance Perawiti, are charged with participating in an organised criminal group.
Mr Ratahi will appear in court next Tuesday. Mr Taikato was remanded on bail to reappear on 10 March.
Zodiac Taikato and Mr Williams also pleaded not guilty and will next appear in court in March. Mr Perawiti is to appear next week.
