Pair in court on 'Maori police' counts

A Gisborne woman who allegedly supplied the uniforms used by Maori seeking rent from Gisborne motel owners, and one of the men who approached the moteliers, made brief appearances in the Gisborne District Court yesterday.

Sue Wyliam Nikora, 69, is charged that not being a member of the police by conduct, she purchased uniforms with the words "Maori Police" allowing the wearer to pretend they were members of the police.

Elijah Matenga, 31, is charged with demanding money with threat and pretending to be a police officer.

A registrar remanded the pair on bail and without plea until July 29.

Seated in the court was a large contingent of supporters, one of whom stood up saying that he had come from Wellington to lend his support.

"It's not them that are performing the scam, it's you buggers," he said.

- NZPA