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New Zealand Supreme Court Orders Retrial for David Tamihere

3/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Supreme Court of New Zealand overruled David Tamihere's 1990 murder convictions due to a fundamental trial error.
The court found perjured evidence from key witness Roberto Conchie Harris, later convicted of perjury.
The court said Tamihere may still be guilty.
The court ordered a retrial, with Crown prosecutors to decide on new charges.
Tamihere had been sentenced to life for the murders of Swedish tourists Sven Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen.

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Story summary

The Supreme Court of New Zealand overruled David Tamihere's 1990 murder convictions due to a fundamental trial error.
The court found perjured evidence from key witness Roberto Conchie Harris, later convicted of perjury.
The court said Tamihere may still be guilty.
The court ordered a retrial, with Crown prosecutors to decide on new charges.
Tamihere had been sentenced to life for the murders of Swedish tourists Sven Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen.