A man charged with a North Dunedin murder has had his name suppressed while he undergoes mental-health assessments.
The 25-year-old defendant appeared in the Dunedin District Court this morning after the body of Aneli Helu Katea, 36, was found at a Great King St address on Friday afternoon.
Counsel Anne Stevens KC, sought name suppression for her client and asked the court to order mental-health reports.
Both requests were allowed by Judge Hermann Retzlaff.
There was no application for bail and the defendant would remain in custody until his next appearance, before the High Court, in October.
At the weekend, police said the investigation and scene examination were continuing.
Southern District Crime manager Detective Inspector Shona Low said a forensic post-mortem would be performed on the victim.
While court documents alleged the incident involved a “stabbing/cutting” implement, she refused to specify what type of weapon had been used in the alleged killing or elaborate on inquiries being undertaken by officers.
Police also declined to confirm whether Mr Katea's body was found inside or outside the premises, or whether it was an isolated incident.
The Otago Daily Times understands police asked a neighbouring motel for security-camera footage which shows the premises.
"Police have had good responses from the public but continue to ask anyone with information that can assist in our investigation, to contact police," Det Insp Low said.
