Today was the first High Court appearance for the 28-year-old man accused of the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Because he's being held at New Zealand's maximum security prison in Paremoremo, he appeared through audio-visual link from custody in the High Court at Christchurch today.

Naturally there was a significant media presence, with more than two dozen reporters from New Zealand and around the world, along with eight police officers and several security staff.

He faces 50 murder charges and 39 attempted murder charges.

But it was also revealed today, he's getting legal aid - government funded legal representation.

Hosted by Juliette Sivertsen.