Four men referred to High Court charged with murder of Boy Taylor in Napier

He was lying on the pavement about a metre from a recess between Pascoes the Jewellers and One NZ in Emerson St, near the intersection with Hastings St.

Emergency services were called to the scene and CPR was given, but Taylor could not be revived.

Police said his injuries were consistent with an assault.

Police have also alleged a second victim was robbed.

Altogether, four men have been charged with murder. Their ages are 18, 19, 21 and 33.

Two of them appeared in the Napier District Court on Wednesday via audio-visual link charged with murder, wounding with intent and aggravated robbery.

The other two appeared in court earlier.

All four have now been remanded in custody without plea to appear in the High Court on February 4.

Taylor was known in the Napier CBD as friendly and sometimes talkative, and could be seen with a supermarket trolley carrying his belongings. A trolley was found at the scene.

Tributes were paid on social media, highlighting a “gentle soul”, who was keen to help when he could.

Taylor had been associated with the non-profit organisation the Tairimu Trust, founded by Zack Makoare in 2007 to “turn the tide” on Māori health disparities by encouraging future leaders.

Makoare said Taylor was a “likeable”, “harmless” and helpful man who had his issues but had been well-liked.

Ric Stevens spent many years working for the former New Zealand Press Association news agency, including as a political reporter at Parliament, before holding senior positions at various daily newspapers. He joined NZME’s Open Justice team in 2022 and is based in Hawke’s Bay. His writing in the crime and justice sphere is informed by four years of front-line experience as a probation officer.