The 30-year-old medical professional, who is charged with killing Amber-Rose Rush, was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody by consent until he appears in the High Court on February 20.
When the defendant, unshaven and dressed in a green hooded jersey, appeared in the dock, family of Miss Rush called out to him to get his attention.
As he turned to face them, they let fly with a barrage of abuse, prompting justice of the peace Russell Atkinson to issue a warning.
As the defendant was led back to the cells, one man rushed to the barrier of the gallery, pointed at the man and told him, "you’re dead ... ".
Others made similar threats and made claims about the defendant which are too prejudicial to be published.
Miss Rush’s family would not comment outside court yesterday, but her mother on social media earlier labelled the man a "complete animal".
"The disgusting excuse for a human who come [sic] into my home and took my baby girl from me, I hope you suffer every single moment of what is left of your life.
"He killed my beautiful child, he killed our entire life."
Her mother (known as Lisa Ann on social media) gave a heart-felt tribute to her daughter on Facebook.
"How do I put into words what you mean to me my baby girl. You are literally my other half, my soul, my heart, my everything.
"I don’t know how to be without you, I cannot see a way to live without you.
"You’re everything to me, to all of us. You may be the baby of the family, but you are and will forever be the heart and soul of our family.
"I promised you that you would never be alone, and you won’t, not ever.
"I love you with every inch of my soul, forever baby girl, love mum xoxoxo."
Miss Rush was described by family and friends on social media as a "most beautiful, kind-hearted and most loved girl" who was "a cheeky free spirit and instantly loved by everyone that met her".
Kaikorai Valley College principal Rick Geerlofs said Miss Rush was a pupil at the school, but left part way through term 4 last year.
She had since taken a job, working at a supermarket in Dunedin.
"Amber was a quiet, friendly student who’s been with us since year 7.
"She’s going to be sadly missed by family and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are very much with her family and friends at this time."
He said the school was providing support to pupils affected by her death.
The JP acknowledged two websites had already revealed the man’s identity yesterday, but granted him name suppression anyway.
Police did not oppose the application and counsel Sarah Saunderson-Warner said anyone who had published the man’s name would have to remove the material from online.
The man was known to Miss Rush, and police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.
The police cordon which surrounded the Clermiston Ave scene during the weekend was removed about noon yesterday and the property was released back to the family.
Neighbours said they were feeling "uncomfortable" and "uneasy" after learning the police had been in Clermiston Ave to investigate a homicide.
One neighbour, who declined to be named, said residents were wary and concerned because there were "so many unknowns" about what had happened at the property.
