It can now be revealed the man accused of murdering a toddler found in a Bay of Plenty river is the victim's father, Tewi Savage.
Two-year-old Arnica Savage was found dead in the Rangitaiki River about 1km from the small settlement of Te Mahoe, south of Whakatane, on July 1.
Rewi Savage's identity had been suppressed until after the girl's tangi. That order lapsed at 5pm today.
The 32-year-old is in custody and is due to appear via video link in the Rotorua High Court on September 5.
Arnica's tangi was held at Puawairua Marae, near Whakatane.
Te Mahoe has a population of just 150. Locals have told Newshub everyone in the settlement is in shock.
The girl's body was found following a five-hour search after police were alerted a girl was missing in the Matahina Dam.
Newshub.
