David Tamihere Takes Final Appeal to Supreme Court in Bid to Overturn Murder Convictions
David Tamihere, convicted for the 1989 murders of Swedish tourists Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen, is making a final legal challenge to clear his name. His case has now reached New Zealand’s Supreme Court—marking what could be his last opportunity to overturn the convictions that have kept him behind bars for decades.
The Case Background
Tamihere was found guilty in 1990 of killing the two backpackers, whose bodies were discovered in the Coromandel bush months after their disappearance. Despite maintaining his innocence, he served 20 years before being released on parole in 2010. Over the years, his legal team has argued that key evidence was mishandled and that witness testimony was unreliable.
New Appeal Grounds
The Supreme Court appeal focuses on potential miscarriages of justice, including claims of:
- Unreliable jailhouse informants – Allegations that key witnesses provided false testimony in exchange for benefits.
- Forensic discrepancies – Questions over whether forensic evidence was properly assessed at the time.
- Police conduct – Claims that investigative methods may have influenced the outcome of the trial.
A Long Fight for Justice
Tamihere’s case has seen multiple appeals, including a rejected bid in 2021 by the Court of Appeal. Supporters, including advocacy groups, argue that advances in forensic science and legal standards warrant a fresh review.
What’s Next?
If the Supreme Court grants the appeal, it could lead to a retrial or even an acquittal. However, if dismissed, Tamihere’s legal avenues will likely be exhausted.
The hearing has drawn significant attention, reigniting debates over historical convictions and the reliability of 1980s-era police investigations.
