Rugby league legend Tawera Nikau is fighting for custody of his grandchildren because he fears for their well-being, the Herald understands.
That is believed to be behind the public spat that allegedly turned physical between Nikau, 45, and his estranged daughter Heaven-Leigh outside the Huntly police station about 1pm on Friday.
The former rugby league international was seen jumping out of his car before he verbally abused his daughter, it has been reported.
He is alleged to have grabbed Heaven-Leigh around the neck before she fell to the ground.
Heaven-Leigh then walked back into the police station to report the incident as Nikau drove away in his car.
Nikau could not be contacted for comment yesterday (Sunday) but his lawyer Gary Gotlieb said the matter was "very much a domestic one''.
"It really probably is not very helpful at all to the whole process that this was there in the papers,'' he said.
"It is a little unfortunate for the sensitivities of all the parties involved.''
Mr Gotlieb said he had yet to receive the facts about the alleged incident from police.
It was likely that he would appeal to have Nikau's appearance at the Huntly District Court tomorrow adjourned to a later date.
He said it was too early to say whether Nikau would enter a plea to the charge.
"I really don't know because I haven't talked to the prosecution at this stage.''
Sources in Huntly said Nikau was trying to seek custody of Heaven-Leigh's two children, aged 4 and 5.
They said Nikau was concerned about their well-being.
A source said Nikau and his wife were "probably like many grandparents living in Huntly'' looking out for the best interests of their grandchildren.
Heaven-Leigh is Nikau's daughter from his marriage to Letitia, who took her own life while the couple were living in England where Nikau was playing rugby league in 2001.
Nikau has forged an equally as successful career in business off the field and spends half his year overseas as Aotearoa Construction chief executive.
He is also owner and managing director of Team One Corporate Development, a training company.
- James Ihaka, NZ Herald
