Accused warns judge Maori now have their own police

A man who appeared in Gisborne District Court on multiple charges including possession of kereru feathers warned the judge that Maori now had their own police.

Peter Wairata Warren, 56, refused to answer charges when he appeared before Judge John Hole, saying the judge had no jurisdiction.

The judge put the charges to Warren, including that he trespassed on a Housing New Zealand property, two counts of possession of cannabis, possession of a drugs pipe, unlawful possession of explosives - rifle ammunition, and a breach of bail.

Failing to get an answer from Warren, the judge entered not guilty pleas to all charges and remanded him in custody to appear every eight days for administrative purposes in Hastings District Court. Warren's next appearance will be on July 14.

A hearing on the charges will be held on September 16.

Initially refusing to stand in the dock, Warren loudly voiced his opposition to the court's jurisdiction, commenting that the Crown was in breach of international law.
Warren told the judge that he must now be aware that Maoridom had its own police.

Being led down to the court cells, Warren shouted back to the judge "I'll see you mate. Mr Hole is it?"

- NZPA