Airport protesters' word accepted

Five of those arrested at the occupation of Kaitaia Airport on September 9 were remanded at large without plea when they appeared before Judge Greg Davis in the Kaitaia District Court on Thursday.

Eva Crockenburg, 59, of Awanui, Anthony Gregory Housham, 64, of Auckland, Joseph Nathan (aka Reti Boynton), 38, of Kaitaia, Barney Popata, 61, of Oturu, and Robin Popata, 61, of Kaitaia, jointly charged with wilful trespass, will appear again on October 22.

A sixth defendant, Selwyn James Clarke, 88, of Ahipara, did not appear. The charge against him was adjourned to October 22.

Much of Thursday's brief hearing was devoted to the issue of bail, counsel Richard Parangi telling Judge Davis that continuing bail, with the condition that the defendants not enter the airport property, could impinge upon their right to conduct a peaceful protest.

Judge Davis accepted that argument, agreeing to remand the defendants at large without conditions, after each had assured him that they would not enter the property except for some lawful purpose (catching a flight), and would not behave in a manner that was disrespectful to any other party.

"What we have here is an operational airport, so we need to get through to October 22 in a way that protects the mana of all involved," he said. "If you give me your word that you won't go back to the airport before October 22 I will take you at your word."

Ngati Kahu, he added, could end up leading the rest of the country, but that could only happen if everyone worked hand in hand as opposed to fighting each other.

"I am trusting everyone to deal with this in the spirit of goodwill that has been brought to the table today," he said.

Meanwhile, counsel Wayne Cribb said he had no objection to the hearing being filmed, but argued that filming the defendants in the dock could carry a connotation of guilt. Judge Davis declined to allow them to leave the dock, given that the public gallery was full, but emphasised that every one of them was entitled to the presumption of innocence.

Mr Cribb sought the remand to October 22 to enable "avenues of resolution" to be explored with the prosecution.