NZ Police/Supplied
Gaelene Bright, 69, is described by friends as friendly, outgoing and helpful.
A man accused of murdering Northland mother and grandmother Gaelene Bright has appeared in the High Court.
The 65-year-old, who has temporary name suppression, appeared briefly through audio-visual link in the High Court in Whangārei on Thursday.
The man is charged with murdering Bright on or before May 1, and unlawful possession of a .22 between May 1 and 8.
Denise Piper/Stuff
The man appeared in the High Court in Whangārei on Thursday. (File photo)
He entered no plea on Thursday, and was remanded in custody for a medical assessment.
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The 65-year-old was arrested in the Hastings area on May 17, the same day police searching for Bright found a body in the Waipoua Forest, just minutes from her home.
Police took almost two weeks to identify the remains as that of 69-year-old Bright, who friends describe as friendly, outgoing and helpful.
The former hairdresser was heavily involved in the Hokianga communities of Waimamaku and Kohukohu – where she used to live – and a Givealittle page for her family has raised more than $6500.
The man is set to reappear in court on June 30, and a trial date has been scheduled for June 13, 2023.
