A man charged over the alleged murder of two-year-old Arnica Savage has pleaded not guilty.
Arnica's body was found in the Rangitaiki River late on Sunday night about 1km north of the small settlement of Te Mahoe, south of Whakatane, in the Bay of Plenty.
A 32-year-old man was charged with her murder the following day. He appeared in the Rotorua High Court today where he pleaded not guilty.
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He is due back in the same court on September 5 and the trial is expected to take place in March next year. The man's identity and relationship to the girl is suppressed.
The girl's body has been taken to Puawairua Marae, near Whakatane, where friends and whanau have gathered for the tangi.
A woman, believed to be the girl's grandmother, wrote on Facebook: "I thank you all for your prayers and support". She also said that Arnica loved her kohanga (pre-school).
Te Mahoe has a population of just 150. Locals have told Newshub everyone in the settlement is in shock.
Police say they were called to Matahina Dam, above Te Mahoe, about 6pm on Sunday following reports a young child was missing.
Following a five hour search Arnica's body was found in the Rangitaiki River, which the dam flows into.
Newshub.
