11 Jul 2018

Name suppression lifts for man accused of Rangitaiki River toddler murder

6:36 pm on 11 July 2018

The man accused of murdering two-year-old Arnica Savage in Bay of Plenty can now be named.

Rangitaiki River.

Rangitaiki River. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook

He is 32-year-old Te Mahoe man Tewi Daniel Savage.

Arnica's body was found in the Rangitaiki River, in Bay of Plenty, a week and a half ago.

Mr Savage was charged with her murder the following morning.

He has pleaded not guilty.

The pair lived in the settlement of Te Mahoe, near the Matahina Dam.

Arnica's death sent shockwaves through the tiny, close-knit community.

Mr Savage is remanded in custody and is due back in court in September.

He will stand trial next year.