This story describes family violence and murder and may be distressing to some readers. 

A homicide unsolved for five years was resolved today when a man pleaded guilty to murdering his partner. 

Ri Charles Raymond Nikora appeared in the High Court at Napier and admitted murdering Kathleen Lorna Kawana sometime between June 20 and 22, 2019. 

He also admitted injuring her with intent to injure - a representative charge for the violence he inflicted on her over the three years before her death. 

Kawana was last seen alive at her Titahi Bay house on June 20, 2019. 

On August 3 that year, more than six weeks later, her decomposing body was found about 600km from her home in an abandoned farmhouse south-west of Ruatoria, dressed only in her blue checked dressing gown. 

The abandoned farmhouse was well-known to Nikora, who had spent time living in the area growing up, but was living in Hastings at the time of his long-distance partner’s death. 

A Crown summary of facts said that Nikora had left Kawana’s Titahi Bay home with her in his car sometime on the night of June 20 to 21. 

“It is not know whether she was alive or dead at this time,” the summary of facts said. 

Despite their close relationship, Nikora was not arrested for his partner’s murder until May 2024, nearly five years after she died. 

He has been in custody since and had been expected to face trial in September, before admitting his guilt today. 

Nikora and Kawana formed a relationship in 2019 but continued to live in their respective houses in Flaxmere and Titahi Bay. 

It became clear to those who were close to them that Nikora was jealous and controlling of Kawana. 

The summary of facts describes multiple incidents of violence and assault, including one where he beat her unconscious and had to perform CPR to revive her. 

FAMILY VIOLENCE 

How to get help: If you're in danger now: 
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
• Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
• Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence
• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women.
 

Ric Stevens spent many years working for the former New Zealand Press Association news agency, including as a political reporter at Parliament, before holding senior positions at various daily newspapers. He joined NZME’s Open Justice team in 2022 and is based in Hawke’s Bay. His writing in the crime and justice sphere is informed by four years of front-line experience as a probation officer.