PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIENA former Highlanders player can now be revealed as the prominent Dunedin man facing serious sex charges. Taumua Lui Naeata, 32, has had name suppression since he appeared before the Dunedin District Court in March last year, facing six sexual violation charges. However, Naeata only made two appearances for the team and did not play again after the criminal charges were laid. Judge David Robinson accepted Naeata would be adversely affected by the publicity surrounding the case, but determined it did not exceed that commonly experienced by those facing significant charges. Justice Melanie Harland noted the defendant’s initial work permit specified he could only be employed as a rugby player, but the scope of that had since been broadened.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 08, 2026 18:48 UTC