The trial for the man accused of murdering Connor Morris will begin today, on the anniversary of the 26-year-old's death.
Michael Thrift Murray has denied a charge of murdering Mr Morris on August 3 last year.
Police allege he delivered a fatal strike to Mr Morris' head during a confrontation outside a party.
Mr Morris died soon after, in the arms of his partner Millie Elder-Holmes.
The trial at the High Court at Auckland will get under way after a jury of 12 is selected.
The jury will then hear opening addresses from Justice Edwin Wylie, Crown prosecutor David Johnstone and Marie Dyhrberg, Murray's defence lawyer.
Security is expected to be tight at the court for the trial, set down for four weeks.
Mr Morris was a member of the Head Hunters gang, along with other members of his family and friends.
The family have been running a Facebook memorial page for Mr Morris since he died, posting regular tributes.
Yesterday they said they would not be posting at all during the trial.
They thanked "the people of New Zealand who have supported us over the last 12 months". NZME