Man found in burnt-out vehicle a 49-year-old 'humble soul'
The man whose body was found in a burnt-out vehicle in Hastings last month has been described as a "humble soul" and "devoted father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many".
A court-ordered suppression preventing the release of his name was today lifted.
He was 49-year-old Patrick Te Tini Rewiti of Napier.
Rewiti's body was found in the burnt vehicle on Irongate Rd West on March 26.
The 30-year-old man accused of murdering him appeared in the High Court at Napier via a video link from prison for a second appearance this morning.
At his first appearance last month, both his name and the name of the victim were suppressed. Name suppression is still in place for the 30-year-old man charged with murder.
He is denying the charge and has been remanded in custody.
A trial date has been scheduled for next year.
An obituary posted by Reweti’s family described him as a “very special man in our whānau”.
"A humble soul, a devoted father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many."
Reweti has been laid to rest at Poupatatē Marae at Halcombe, Manawatū.
Police released a statement thanking the public for the information and assistance provided in the case.
“Police continue their investigation and we continue to support the whānau, dealing with the loss of their loved one in such horrendous circumstances."
