The two women accused of killing Te Teko eight-year-old Rickah’Shae Keefe-Haerewa in November have denied the charges laid against them.

Maya Hati, 26, and Pauline Timu, 61, appeared in Rotorua High Court on Monday before Justice Kiri Tahana.

Hati attended the hearing by audio-visual link and pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and assault.

Timu denied manslaughter and two counts of assault. She appeared in person.

A bail application was made by Timu’s lawyer, Tony Rickard-Simms. It was opposed by Crown prosecutor Anna Pollett.

Justice Tahana reserved her decision, and both women were remanded in custody.

Hati and Timu were charged following Rickah’Shae’s death on November 15 last year at Whakatāne Hospital after an alleged assault.

A four-week jury trial has been scheduled in 2027.