There has been another extremely tense court appearance for a Christchurch murder-accused.

Shaun Skilling is accused of murdering Christchurch widow Gaynor White in her Aotea Terrace home on the February 19. The 22-year-old also faces two burglary counts and one charge of unlawfully taking a vehicle.

Tension again filled the courtroom as family and friends of the victim stared at the accused throughout his appearance, while others cried.

Most of the details of today's hearing were suppressed. Skilling reappears for a post-committal conference on April 23.