He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody until his next appearance at the High Court in Auckland.
Court documents show the two men have been charged with causing the death of Tahana by causing him, by threats or fear of violence, to do an act which caused his death and thereby committed manslaughter.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
"Police have been working closely with Mr Tahana's family since his death and have ensured there is support in place for them at this difficult time," Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong said.
A number of tributes have been posted on social media by family and friends, who said they were shocked at Tahana's sudden death.
