Phillips, 56, was originally from Gisborne and had close ties to Ngāti Porou. A statement from his partner was read to the court, saying that they had met as teenagers, were together for 42 years, and had three children. They also worked at the same factory. He was her soulmate and she carried his ashes everywhere with her. Statements from his daughter, sister, brother, and sister-in-law were also read, speaking of their grief and anger, and hoping the two offenders understood the loss they had caused.
Stuff
Toetu Falemanu Tui Saili might not have known Phillips had already been stabbed when he chased jim and stomped on his head.
Phillips fled, yelling something like, “I am already stabbed, I am already dead”. Tui Saili chased him out on to Hughes Cres, Taita, but Phillips tripped and, still on the ground, grabbed at him. Tui Saili stomped on Phillips’ head “a number of times”, according to the summary. Hohipa and Tui Saili agreed he would take the blame, and Hohipa put the knife into a wheelie bin outside. The three had been in a larger group at the Hughes Cres house, some of them drinking through the day and into the evening, although Tui Saili said he had not been drinking.