Memorial ride for Connor Morris ahead of trial

Connor Morris and Millie Elder-Holmes in a photograph posted to Facebook by Hinemoa Elder. Photo / Supplied

The trial for the man accused of murdering Connor Morris will begin a year to the day the 26-year-old died in West Auckland.

Days before, his family will hold a ceremony to remember Mr Morris, who suffered a fatal head injury during a confrontation outside a party on August 3 last year.

He was held by his partner of six years, Millie Elder-Holmes, as he lay dying.

Michael Thrift Murray, 33, was charged with Mr Morris' murder and his trial will start in the High Court at Auckland on August 3.

Mr Morris family and friends, including members of the Head Hunters gang that he was linked to, will hold a memorial ride for him on August 1.

His father Chris is set to ride Mr Morris' bike, which he has recently had customised with a picture of his son's face and the words "In Memory of Connor".

Riders will meet in Swanson and head to the Fight Club 88 building, where Mr Morris' funeral was held.

On the way they will stop to pay tribute at "Connor's Corner", the place on Don Buck Dr in Massey where he died.

A memorial garden had been erected on the roadside near where Mr Morris died with a plaque bearing his name and dates of birth and death. Family and friends regularly visited the site to remember him.

The Herald can reveal that the garden will be removed at the end of the trial.

It is understood a number of people complained to Auckland Council about the site.

A spokesperson from the Morris family explained on a Facebook tribute page what had happened.

"...we had complaints from Massey Community Board, about it looking like a gang thing and they wanted garden taken down," they said.

"Came to agreement... that the garden will come down after trial, sad but haven't the energy to fight it."

Some wanted the garden to stay and offered to start a petition in a bid to save Connor's Corner.

"If people feel strongly about it being removed, good," the spokesperson said.

"But with the trial coming up we haven't got the fight in us at the moment over the garden, But nice to know that people like it there... not once has it been interfered with, so much respect even from kids."