Man pleads guilty to manslaughter after fatal punch in New Plymouth

Friday 15 August 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Fri 15 Aug 2025, 5:39pm

In this story Tukapa Rugby and Sports Club

Daytona Thompson has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 37-year-old Daniel Nganeko. The unprovoked attack occurred on 26 July outside the Tukapa Rugby clubrooms in Taranaki. Approximately 200 people gathered at a rally to remember Nganeko and call for new laws regarding coward punches.

How they headlined it

6h

9:28am11:05am5:39pm

1. RNZFri 15 Aug 2025, 9:28am

   Victim's dad among those calling for coward punch law to be fast tracked (opens in new tab)

   • Man pleads guilty over 'coward punch' that killed Daniel Nganeko (opens in new tab) Fri 15 Aug 2025, 11:05am
   • 'Your family could be next', warns coward punch victim's brother (opens in new tab) Fri 15 Aug 2025, 5:39pm
2. NZ HeraldFri 15 Aug 2025, 9:56am

   Daytona Thompson pleads guilty to the manslaughter of Daniel Nganeko in New Plymouth (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesFri 15 Aug 2025, 11:17am

   Guilty plea over fatal punch outside clubrooms (opens in new tab)