The trial of eight men charged after an alleged gang confrontation in Western Heights in December 2015 may not now proceed until 2018.
The eight were to go on trial in the High Court at Rotorua today but due to what Justice Sarah Katz described as "unforeseen circumstances" it did not go ahead.
A new trial date will be set at a callover hearing on March 1, with the judge saying it could be next year before it could be fitted into the court schedule.
The accused are Robert Dashwood, George Robert Jolley, Christopher John Jolley, Chadwick Tamahou Matapuku, Cramer Tana McMeeking, Daniel Tere McMeeking, Waimarama Horomana Te Kani and Major Wetini.
The most serious charge, attempted murder, is faced by George Robert Jolley. He has been remanded in custody with leave to apply for electronically monitored bail.