By Rachel Tiffen
Two Lower Hutt teenagers have been charged with the murder of Radio New Zealand journalist Phil Cottrell.
He was attacked as he walked home after a night shift last weekend.
While police bagged evidence and searched his home in Korokoro, 19-year-old Nicho Waipuka was at Wellington Central, being charged with Mr Cottrell's murder.
Across Lower Hutt in Avalon, police were also searching the home of Waipuka's alleged accomplice – a 17-year-old granted name suppression so his whanau could be told.
Resident Freti Soloa watched police storm the house yesterday.
"Cops just busted into the house and just went in with their guns and stuff, with their shields," says Ms Soloa.
In the Wellington District Court this afternoon Judge Carrie Wainwright ruled no images of the pair could be taken, but allowed Waipuka's name to be broadcast.
"What we do now may taint any subsequent identification processes that police may need to engage in," she said.
Waipuka was remanded in custody until next Thursday. His alleged accomplice, also in custody, is due back in court on Friday.
Det Snr Sgt Scott Miller said police hoped today's arrests brought some comfort to Mr Cottrell's family and friends.
"This does not mean that the police investigation is anywhere near an end, in fact it's almost just beginning," he says.
"We have a lot of work to do and we wish to carry on with that work."
He said police weren't looking for anyone else for the killing, but were keen to talk to anyone who was on Boulcott St early Saturday, as well as associates of the accused.
"These two offenders would have spoken to their associates and there are people who know exactly what has gone on."
Today fresh flowers and tributes were laid where Cottrell was attacked, according to the post mortem examination -receiving extensive blows to the head, neck and left arm.
Mr Cottrell's funeral will be held at St Andrews on the Terrace on Friday, just a few blocks from where he was attacked
3 News