Five men accused of being involved in an assault on Merivale security guard Lance Scullin have had their case adjourned until April 9.

Lance Scullin was found dead in Merivale on December 1.

Anthony Taikato, Mihaka Ratahi, Zodiac Taikato, Shem Williams and Lance Perewiti were due to appear in Tauranga District Court today facing a range of changes but had their case put off until next month.

During his last appearance in January, Ratahi, 21, admitted assaulting Lance Scullin with a piece of wood in an attack the night before the security guard was found dead.

He pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a weapon but denied a charge of participating in an organised criminal group.

Co-accused Anthony Taikato, 32, Zodiac Taikato, 20, Lance Perawiti, 19, and Shem Williams, 21, are also facing charges of participating in an organised criminal group.

Anthony Taikato is also facing additional charges of assault with intent to injure and common assault - charges he is denying.

The group are accused of being involved in an assault on Lance and a second Merivale man outside Lance's Kesteven Avenue home about 10pm on November 31.

Lance, a father of five and Merivale Neighbourhood Support Group co-ordinator, was found dead at his Merivale home by neighbours about 10am on Sunday, December 1.

Police believe the assault and death are not directly linked.