A man accused of killing his Australian wife in Fiji delivered a series of jumbled comments in court on Monday, describing the situation as a "dream" and claiming he wanted to "prove his innocence".

Key points: UN aid worker Jennifer Downes was killed in Fiji last month

UN aid worker Jennifer Downes was killed in Fiji last month Henri Lusaka, accused of her murder, was denied bail earlier this month

Henri Lusaka, accused of her murder, was denied bail earlier this month The couple have three children together, who are now in the care of Ms Downes' family

Henri Lusaka, a 39-year-old Congolese national and Australian permanent resident, appeared in Fiji's High Court in the capital of Suva charged with murdering his 44-year-old wife, Jennifer Ann Downes, in July.

The case was originally listed as a plea hearing, but Mr Lusaka appeared without a lawyer and at times seemed confused about the proceedings.

Wearing jeans and a black hoodie, Mr Lusaka told the court that: "I came here [Fiji] for my [daughter's birthday]. This, they already planned, my father in law and my wife."

He added: "Until now, I'm not 100 per cent … this story for me is like a dream. It's like a dream."

The judge, Justice Daniel Gounder, warned him against incriminating himself, urging Mr Lusaka to just "answer the questions of the court".

Mr Lusaka told the court his assistance from legal aid had been inadequate and demanded bail so that he could sell assets in order to be able to afford private counsel.

The judge suspended proceedings until Mr Lusaka can be represented by a lawyer. ( ABC News: Lice Movono )

"Legal aid and the police is like a boyfriend and girlfriend. It doesn't do nothing," he said, telling the court he couldn't pay for a lawyer because his assets, including two cars, have been seized by Fiji police.

"I want to just take this stuff, sell and then I fix my lawyer for me to prove my innocence."

The case has been adjourned to September 13 when the bail and plea hearing will take place.

Assistant director of public prosecutions Elisabeth Rice told the court the state intended to strongly oppose Mr Lusaka's application for bail.

He was denied bail two weeks ago on the basis that the state had a "very strong case" and holding him was "in the public interest", prosecutor Sitiveni Baleitaveuni said.

Mr Lusaka was charged with Ms Downes' murder after being hospitalised for several weeks after reportedly attempting to take his own life following her death in July.

Alleged victim a mother of three and an 'inspiration to all'

Jennifer Downes has been described as "caring and vibrant". ( Supplied: WFP )

Ms Downes, who was known by her family and colleagues as Jenna, had worked in the Fijian capital of Suva for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) since 2017.

A spokesperson for the WFP recently said in a statement that: "Jenna and her team had worked tirelessly to bring logistics tools and knowledge to the communities in the Pacific islands, helping them prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

"She will be forever missed by our WFP family. Our thoughts are with Jenna's children and loved ones during this difficult time."

Ms Downes and her husband had three children under the age of five and had recently separated. The ABC understands the children are in the care of the extended family.

Ms Downes' father, Chris Downes, told the Fiji Sun newspaper the family was "heartbroken at the loss of our daughter", whom he described as "caring and vibrant".

A GoFundMe campaign for the children has raised more than $44,000 since July 30.

A fundraiser aims to raise at least $50,000 for Ms Downes' children. ( Facebook )

"Jenna was an inspiration to all. She will truly be missed and forever remembered," the fundraising page says.

During a visit to Fiji in July, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Australian woman Jennifer Downes in Fiji.

"The Australian Government has zero tolerance for violence against women and their children, both at home and abroad.

"We are deeply committed to working with Pacific governments, women's organisations and communities to end violence against women and children."