R v Wirihana - [2026] NZHC 1567

Defendant sentenced after pleading guilty to manslaughter and conspiring to pervert the course of justice. At a tangi, the defendant punched the victim in the head once, then pursued him. He punched him once more and stomped on his head twice. The victim subsequently died from injuries caused by one of the two punches.

Held: Starting point of eight years for manslaughter charge, uplifted by nine months for conspiring to pervert the course of justice for overall starting point of eight years nine months' imprisonment. End sentence of seven years' imprisonment after reductions for guilty plea and youth. Minimum period of imprisonment of half the total sentence imposed.