Attempted murder charge over machete attack

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A Christchurch man charged with attempting to murder two freedom campers has appeared in the Nelson District Court.

The 59-year-old allegedly smashed up a campervan parked at Tomatea Point at Pakawau in Golden Bay, while two occupants were inside, early on January 8.

The traumatised freedom campers, a 46-year-old Hamilton man and his 24-year-old Chinese partner, say the machete-wielding attacker coerced them into getting out of their van, threatening to shoot them if they refused.

The attacker allegedly used methylated spirits and turpentine to try to set fire to the interior.

The man, who has interim name suppression, will remain in custody until his next appearance on February 1.

Last year in April, freedom campers had been forced off land near Waitapu Bridge in Golden Bay by a local who told the group if they refused to move, they would be rounded up by people with pig dogs.

- NEWSTALK ZB