An 18-year-old man has appeared in Christchurch District Court today charged with distributing a live stream of the Christchurch mosque shootings.

Photo: Supplied / Minister of Justice

He has also been charged with publishing objectionable publications in the week prior to the attacks, including a photo of the mosque with the words "target identified", and messages inciting extreme violence.

The man, who has interim name suppression, was arrested by the police on Friday. Police have said they do not believe he was directly involved in the attacks.

The public gallery was cleared for his appearance, where Judge Stephen O'Driscoll decided not to grant him bail, and imposed strict limits on what the media can report.

The summary of facts has also been suppressed.

The man, dressed in jeans and a tee-shirt, stood with his head down, facing the judge.

He has been remanded in custody to reappear on 8 April.