Trial begins for man accused of murdering Taranaki rugby league player

Monday 24 November 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Mon 24 Nov 2025, 8:07pm

In this story High Court

Rakai Jacob Thompson, 26, appeared in the New Plymouth High Court charged with the murder of 17-year-old Te Omeka Pairama Akariri-Buckley. The court heard the men were involved in a failed sheep rustling attempt in Waitara before the fatal attack occurred.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZMon 24 Nov 2025, 7:01pm

   Man accused of killing promising young league player goes on trial (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldMon 24 Nov 2025, 7:50pm

   High Court trial for murder-accused Rakai Thompson begins after the Waitara, Taranaki, death of Te Omeka Akariri-Buckley (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesMon 24 Nov 2025, 8:07pm

   Teen fatally stabbed after failed sheep rustling mission, court hears (opens in new tab)