Robert White (61), fisherman, of Waimatua in Southland, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Karen Gaylene White in Lake Hāwea on March 8 last year at his appearance in the Queenstown District Court this morning.
Through his lawyer Fiona Guy-Kidd KC, the defendant, who was wearing a black T-shirt, sought to be bailed to his home.
Ms Guy-Kidd did not seek name suppression, saying the defendant's identifying details had already been published by media.
However, she opposed a media application to photograph him in court on the grounds it was his first appearance and was therefore inappropriate.
Judge Duncan Harvey declined the media application, and remanded White until his next appearance, in the Invercargill High Court, on March 4.
Ms Guy-Kidd said she was confident the defendant would comply with his bail conditions, as he had always reported to police as required.
He had been out to sea for his job, and always returned, she said.
Judge Harvey imposed strict bail conditions including a daily curfew between 9pm and 7am.
White cannot leave Southland or go to sea, must surrender his passport and cannot apply for travel documents.
His arrest comes almost a year after the alleged murder of Ms White (60) in her Lake Hawea property.
Ms White (60), of Invercargill, was killed in her Lake Hāwea property on Friday March 8, 2024.
Police returned to the homicide scene in December with scientists from the ESR, completing further examinations.
"Following a lengthy investigation, police have now charged a 61-year-old man with murder," Otago Lakes Area Commander, Inspector Paula Enoka said.
Police said Ms White died as a result of injuries she sustained in a "significant assault".
Her obituary described Ms White as a dearly loved mother and best friend to her children and an adored nana to her grandchild.
