At one point Judge Down asked the slightly built man if he wanted to sit down, which he did, showing discomfort as he did so.
The man listened intently to the interpreter, who translated via audio video link.
Judge Down remanded the man in custody until October 4 when he will appear in the High Court at Hamilton.
The man then bowed to the judge, interpreter and public gallery before leaving the courtroom.
A Roy St neighbour earlier told the Herald he had not witnessed the attack but said it was a close-knit neighbourhood.
"It's a shock," the neighbour said.
A person was taken into custody and police said later that a 48-year-old man had been charged with murder.
Tributes and condolences are flowing on social media from shocked whānau of the victim, a father-of-four and a koro.
The victim has been described as a "soft giant" and "humble, quiet and loving father".
