An 52-year-old Feilding man appeared in court this morning charged with murdering pensioners Ted Ferguson and Margaret Waldin. The accused had name suppression until 1pm today. He is David Konia, unemployed of Feilding.
Police arrested Konia yesterday.
Yesterday, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said he was unable to provide any further detail about the circumstances of the crimes, as the case is now a matter for the court and is sub judice.
The arrest came on day seventeen of the investigation.
Police said considerable progress was made since Margaret Waldin's and Ted Ferguson's bodies were discovered on the morning of Sunday 29 May 2005.
A team of approximately 29 Police investigators, along with assistance from ESR scientists, a forensic pathologist, search teams, Feilding Police staff and a team of non-sworn Police personnel had been working on the investigation.
"There are still ongoing enquiries in respect of this investigation and this may continue for some time," said Mr Sheridan.
"An address associated with the arrested man is currently undergoing examination by Police investigators and ESR scientists. This process could also take some days."
"This afternoon I met with both Margaret and Ted's families and advised them of the arrest. The families are well aware that the Police investigation is not finished, and our enquiries will be ongoing."
Approximately 25 recruits from the Royal New Zealand Police College yesterday began a search at the Feilding tip looking for items associated with the murders said Mr Sheridan.