A neighbourly dispute over fireworks on Guy Fawkes night turned explosive when a man was shot in front of his children

Lower Hutt's Tuhi Isaac Alexander is on trial in the Wellington District Court, accused of bringing a gun and tomahawk to confront his neighbour and his guests in 2022.

He's pleaded not guilty.

A fight was started after kids were lighting fireworks on the street while supervised by adults.

The complainant Leonard Murray says he tried to defuse the situation before being shot in the shoulder.

Alexander's defence argues the gun belonged to Murray, who shot himself.