Three men have appeared in court this afternoon charged with the murder of Christchurch man Robert Haimona after an alleged gang altercation at a suburban house last month.

However, they cannot be named due to a court suppression order.

Haimona died in hospital on February 25, eight days after he was injured in an altercation at a property in Hoani St, Northcote.

Police at the Hoani St scene the day after the violent incident. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

Police said a firearm was discharged during the violence that spilled onto the street.

“Police can confirm that the individuals involved were associated with two separate gangs, however our investigation to date indicates this was not a gang-motivated attack,” said Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves.

“This appears to be an isolated incident between specific individuals.”

After the incident, the three men were charged with wounding Haimona and aggravated robbery.

They were all remanded in custody and appeared separately by audio-visual link in the Christchurch District Court today before Judge Mark Callaghan.

Lawyers for the men all sought interim name suppression - on the basis of fair trial rights - until at least their first appearance in the High Court.

Suppression applications were not opposed by the Crown at this stage.

The public gallery was full of family members of the alleged offenders.

Extra security staff were brought in for the brief hearing, and a number of police investigators were also present.

When suppression was granted for the first accused, one man became angry, gesturing furiously at the courtroom screen and shouting: “Own it, f**kin own it”.

He later told court security to “f**k up bro” when asked to be quiet.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves. Photo / Joe Allison

Judge Callaghan ordered court staff to mute the AVL feed when the third alleged offender appeared as he started shouting obscenities and messages to his supporters.

All three men were remanded in custody until their next court date on April 1.

Haimona’s family announced his death on Facebook last month.

“With broken hearts ... today we farewelled a much-loved father, adored grandfather, precious son, devoted brother, loving uncle, proud nephew, and a treasured member of our whānau,” his sister wrote.

“Corey left us surrounded by deep love and care, embraced by his whānau.

“The mamae is heavy and still very raw. We are taking things moment by moment as we navigate this incredibly difficult time.

“We don’t have any further details to share right now but will provide updates when we can.”

A Givealittle page, set up before Haimona died, stated that he had cancer.

“Our whānau is going through one of the hardest times of our lives. Robert Corey Haimona is currently in hospital after a brutal altercation while already battling cancer,” it said.

“As if cancer wasn’t enough, our family is now facing the fear and heartbreak of seeing him fight for his life following this violent altercation.

“No matter his past, Robert is a son, a brother, a father, and someone who has been trying to make positive changes since his cancer diagnosis.

“He deserves love, support, and the chance to heal – and his family deserves to be by his side during this critical time.”

Reeves said police continued to support Haimona’s family, who were “devastated”.

“We want to be absolutely clear that any form of retaliation will not be tolerated,” she said.

“Anyone considering taking matters into their own hands should expect an immediate and firm response.”

Reeves acknowledged the Hoani St incident had been “unsettling” to the community.

“We want to reassure you that there is no information to suggest any ongoing risk to the wider public,” she said.

“Our teams are maintaining a visible presence and continue to work closely with specialist units, intelligence staff, and community partners to ensure your safety.”

Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz