A man charged over the shooting of a taxi driver last weekend has appeared in court in the Wellington District Court this morning.

Dylan Nuku, 26, was arrested last night and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was remanded until 26 January.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

District Court Judge Bruce Davidson approved psychiatric screening to assess Mr Nuku's fitness to stand trial.

During a brief hearing, Mr Nuku gestured toward supporters in the public gallery, indicating he wanted them to make a phone call to someone and to get hold of some money.

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The taxi driver Alem Tesema is currently recovering at home with a broken shoulder.

He was shot by a passenger after picking up a man and a woman in central Wellington on Saturday night and taking them to Stone Street in Miramar.

Police said a man was located at a Strathmore address overnight and has been charged.