A teenager has appeared in the Youth Court charged with the murder of promising rugby league player Luke Tipene, Radio New Zealand reports.
The public gallery was full as the 16-year-old appeared briefly flanked by two police officers and a security guard.
Judge Tony Fitzgerald remanded the teenager in custody until later this month in the High Court in Auckland.
As the boy was led away, his family called out that they loved him.
Police have said 17-year-old Tipene died from a stab wound during a fight outside a party in Grey Lynn shortly after midnight on Friday.
New Zealand Rugby League have said Luke Tipene was a promising player who was involved in the Kiwis under-16, and was signed to the Junior Warriors team.
Under-16s coach Jeff Whittaker had described him as a young man with mana who led the team's haka.
