Two People Charged Over Death of Katikati Boy Timothy Rolleston-Bryan

A man and a woman have appeared in the Tauranga District Court charged in connection with the death of a four-year-old Katikati boy who was attacked by dogs last year. Timothy Tu'uaki Rolleston-Bryan, also known as Timoti, died on 28 March 2025 after being injured at a property in Katikati.

The pair appeared together before deputy registrar Dianna Skudder on 17 March, facing a charge of owning a dog that caused the death of a person. No pleas were entered at that appearance. The woman, aged 35, had originally been scheduled to appear in New Plymouth but her case was transferred to Tauranga. About a dozen members of the public, believed to be supporters of the accused, were also present in court.

Both were granted interim name suppression and released on bail, with instructions to return to court on 9 April. Following the incident, three dogs were seized and later euthanised by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).