Several witnesses in the trial of four men accused of a gang-related killing are to give evidence anonymously.
A 31-year-old scaffolder, Peri Niwa, was killed by a single stab-wound to the chest in November 2008.
Matiu Pahau, Rangi Rick Brown, 40, Adrian Fenton, 27 and Mahana Edmonds, 39, are on trial at the High Court in New Plymouth, accused of his murder, and of possessing a shotgun during the killing.
Matui Pahau, 22, admits he stabbed Mr Niwa but denies that amounts to murder. The three others on trial also deny being parties to murder. All but Mr Fenton have admitted participating in an organised criminal group.
The Crown says the accused are members of Black Power and it has arranged for 10 witnesses to give evidence anonymously.
It says Mr Niwa was in a team of scaffolders whose employer was a Mongrel Mob president. Black Power leaders wrongly identified all the scaffolders as Mob members, prompting the killing, the Crown contends.
The Crown asked that potential jurors be warned against taking part if they have any Black Power or Mongrel Mob connection.
A defence lawyer, Susan Hughes, argued that repeated emphasis on gangs could be prejudicial.
Justice Asher ruled impartiality is crucial and warned would-be jurors to let him know of any bias or experiences with gangs.
