Kiwi taxpayers have paid for the alleged Christchurch gunman's legal support for his appearance on Friday morning.
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed to Newshub that the defendant had access to the Police Detention Legal Assistance service and was granted legal aid for his appearance in the Christchurch High Court on Friday.
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He was also assisted by a duty lawyer during the Friday appearance, where he didn't enter a plea on 50 charges for murder and 39 for attempted murder.
The ministry, however, would not confirm if the legal aid could extend to paying for two Auckland lawyers the man has engaged to defend him.
"The legal aid system is designed to ensure people who cannot pay for a lawyer are provided with legal representation in court," said Brett Dooley, group manager for national service delivery.
"Legal aid is an important part of New Zealand's justice system; no-one should be denied justice because they cannot afford a lawyer."
According to the ministry, legal aid is "Government funding to pay for legal help".
Dooley said a set of criteria was used to determine whether to give the alleged gunman aid.
"The legal aid system is overseen by the Legal Services Commissioner, an independent statutory officer who is also a senior manager at the Ministry of Justice."
During his appearance on Friday he was ordered to undergo a mental health assessment before his next appearance on June 14.
Publishing photos or videos of the suspect will remain banned until then, when the suppression will be reassessed.
The two lawyers which will represent him, Shane Tait and Jonathan Hudson, said every person had a right to fair trial.
"The right to consult and instruct a lawyer and the right to a fair public hearing are protected rights that the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act provides to every person in this country," barrister Tait said.
The accused had previously indicated that he would represent himself.
On March 15, the man is accused of committing an atrocity which saw 50 people lose their lives at two mosques in Christchurch.
Newshub.
