Ariki Rigby homicide: Man admits setting car alight

Monday, 3 February 2025

A 32-year-old man was arrested in Favona charged with murder and arson, in relation to the car that Ariki’s remains were found in. The man will be appearing in Manukau District Court on Wednesday.

A man has pleaded guilty to arson of the car containing homicide victim Ariki Rigby near Havelock North

Ropine Paul, 29, admitted his role in the crime during a brief appearance in the High Court on Monday.

Jimmy Heremaia, 32, is facing charges of murder and arson and remains in custody

A man who helped set fire to the car containing homicide victim Ariki Rigby has admitted his role.

Ropine Paul, 29, appeared in the High Court at Napier on Monday and pleaded guilty to a charge of being a party to arson of a vehicle.

Ropine Paul appeared in the High Court at Napier on Monday.

Rigby was 18 when she was killed. Her body was found in a burnt out car in a car park beside the Tukituki River on the outskirts of Havelock North on September 5, 2022.

Jimmy Heremaia, 32, was arrested in Auckland in September last year and is being held in custody on charges of murder and arson.

Ariki Rigby, 18, was found dead in a Havelock North car that had been set on fire.

Paul, a Mongrel Mob member, was arrested in Havelock North in October last year.

His appearance before Judge Paul Radich on Monday was brief.

There was a large crowd of Ariki’s whānau and friends in court.

He mumbled “guilty” after the charge was read aloud.

A sentencing date was set for next month. He would continue on electronic bail until then.