The 25-year-old rising MMA fighter died in hospital after he was hit from behind on Symonds St on May 16.
RNZ reports four men appeared at the Auckland High Court on Wednesday in front of a packed public gallery of Vake's friends, family and teammates, including UFC star Dan Hooker.
One man, Ofa Folau, pleaded guilty to two assault charges, and a sentencing date has been set down for August.
However the three others, one of whom is charged with manslaughter, entered not guilty pleas through their lawyers.
