Name suppression for the man charged with the murder of George Taiaroa has lapsed, meaning he can now be identified.

Quinton Winders, 45, of Stratford, was arrested in his Taranaki home last week, more than two years after 67-year-old George was gunned down while he worked on a one-lane bridge in Atiamuri.

Quinton Winders is accused of murdering George Taiaroa.

Winders was taken in for questioning by police early in their murder inquiry but was released due to lack of evidence.

In a 2014 interview, Winders denied shooting Taiaroa, saying it was fabricated by police who he accused of harassment.

At the time Taiaroa's family said they were at a loss to explain the murder, as George was a kind, gentle man who hated conflict.

His wife Helen said she believed her husband was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Winders has been remanded in custody and will appear in the High Court in Rotorua next month.