Ariki Rigby Murder Case: Justice Takes a Step Forward

Ariki Rigby Murder Case: Key Developments

A man has been charged with murder over the 2022 death of Ariki Rigby. The 18-year-old's body was found in a burnt-out car in Havelock North in September 2022. Detective Inspector Dave de Lange said today a 32-year-old Auckland man has been charged with murder and arson and will appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow.

The man was living in Hawke's Bay at the time of Rigby's death, and police will seek a transfer of the charges to Napier District Court. "Police have informed Ariki's whānau that an arrest has been made," de Lange said. "While they are very pleased that someone is being held to account for Ariki's death, it doesn't lessen the hurt and pain they have at the loss of Ariki, who would have turned 21 later this month."

Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact

Earlier this month, on the two-year anniversary of her death, Rigby's family issued a plea for those who knew who may be responsible to come forward. Police had previously spoken of facing resistance from people in the community who "know what happened." Rigby's sister Anahera previously told 1News that Ariki had a beautiful smile. "She would give her t-shirt off her back, she would, my sister, even if she didn't have much, she would take off her necklace and give it to you," she said. "But the last memory I hold of my sister was her reversing down my driveway saying she loves me, me and my family, she loves us all she loved everyone, all her family."