The woman who staged a sit-in at a Whangarei District Council meeting says the council deliberately provoked her actions.
However, the council said Vivienne Shepherd's frustrations were caused by an innocent mistake and no harm was meant.
At Wednesday's meeting, a visibly upset Ms Shepherd was asked to leave the council chambers after she accused councillors and staff of bullying her.
Mayor Morris Cutforth adjourned the meeting while police officers - there on other business - convinced Ms Shepherd to stand up and return to the public gallery.
Speaking to the Northern Advocate Ms Shepherd said she did not regret her behaviour.