Joe Collier's best friend will be at his tangi despite being charged with assault using a car as a weapon.
Mr Collier was killed at an Opotiki address on Sunday night.
Johnny Barlow Onekawa, 20, who is Mr Collier's best mate according to family supporting him in court, limped into the dock at the Whakatane District Court today charged with assaulting Lance Mase using a vehicle as a weapon on July 13.
Police did not oppose Onekawa's bail and while he is not allowed to go to Mr Collier's whanau home when the body arrives back later today, Judge Louis Bidois told him he could go to Omarumutu Marae tomorrow and for Friday's tangi.
"There will be too many emotions at the house," Judge Bidois said.