A former Makoura College director and NZ Army veteran is facing charges of sexual violation and indecent assault against a young boy.
Jack Rapana Matiaha, 51, from Masterton, appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to two charges of unlawful sexual connection with a boy and four charges of indecent assault on a boy.
The boy was aged under 12 and between 12 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending, which was said to have taken place between 2007 and 2009.
Matiaha, who was the Makoura College Services Academy director, is no longer working at the college.
Matiaha's lawyer, Louise Elder, argued for name suppression to protect Matiaha's partner.
But prosecuting Sergeant Jodie Lawrence said naming Matiaha could lead to other possible complainants coming forward.
Judge Barbara Morris declined the application for name suppression and remanded Matiaha on bail until February 27.
He will face trial by jury.
- Kelli Hooks of the Wairarapa Times-Age
