Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of a Polish man in Rotorua's Kuirau Park last month.
The pair, aged 14 and 15, had originally been charged with assaulting Roman Henry Skorek, 64, but the charge was elevated to murder in Rotorua Youth Court on Tuesday.
Judge Marie McKenzie suppressed all other details relating to the youths. They are to reappear in the Youth Court on March 6.
They are jointly charged, along with two adults, Rawiri James Samuel, 21, a baker, and unemployed 20-year-old Simon Herewini, who have already appeared on the murder charge in Rotorua District Court.
They have been remanded in custody without plea to make a further appearance on March 5.
Mr Skorek's beaten body was found in Kuirau Park in January. Originally from Poland, he spent his time between Niue and New Zealand.
NZN