More than 30 family members have broken into song outside the courtroom where a 26-year-old man is due to appear in relation to the fatal shooting yesterday of a two-year-old in Mangere.
The man, who has name suppression, is charged with unlawful possession of a shotgun.
The toddler was found dead with a gunshot wound at a home on Favona Road in Mangere Bridge.
The man was set to appear before the Manukau District Court on Friday after lunch, after his hearing was delayed.
He is facing a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, but police say further charges may follow.
Police say no one living at the home held a firearms licence.
Officers are yet to confirm the accused's relationship to the victim.
One of the accused's cousins told Newshub he felt it was a terrible accident.
The little girl's mother was among those attending court.
The accused is now being assessed by a counsellor.
Newshub.