Covid 19 Omicron: Parliament anti-mandate protesters in court in Wellington

Prison was a better option than bail for some protesters who said they will stay at Parliament "as long as this lasts".

Gisborne woman Tarryn Reid is one of a small number who remains in custody after 122 people were arrested and charged with trespassing on Parliament grounds yesterday.

Many appeared before District Court Judge Jenny Bins in the Wellington District Court today.

All are facing charges of wilful trespass and could face a maximum sentence of three months in prison or a $1000 fine. Police have not yet confirmed if protesters will face assault charges.

"We'll stay at Parliament as long as this lasts ... we're not signing anything unless it has no conditions," Reid said.

Around 27 anti-mandate protesters remained in custody overnight last night, a minority continue to deny signing their bail bond because of the condition that says they can't return to Parliament grounds.

The court heard Reid said she had come to protest and if she wasn't able to do that at Parliament she would rather be in prison.

Laura Cassin, Sarah Oliver, Linda Greenhorn, Emma Gould, Susan Denham, Rebekah Land and a woman who is only known to the courts as Gale have also opted to be remanded in custody. They will reappear in court on Monday.

"I don't want to be signing anything because I don't agree with any of it," one of the group said.

They say they haven't done anything wrong and are refusing bail on the basis they shouldn't be before the courts in the first place.

A number of others appeared this afternoon and were granted bail with varied conditions.

Protester Jackie Anne Houkamau, speaking with a croaky voice, alleged she was speaking in that way because she was strangled by the police.

Houkamau asked Judge Binns to clarify the bail conditions and how they would be able to retrieve their belongings.

Christchurch-based Denham said she didn't agree with the charges she faced, and said she was peaceful.

"I'm just a regular person that went from playing netball and being convinced to go on a convoy to standing here.

"I'm not a criminal, I'm a regular person who just wants peace and normality," Denham said.

Alexander Gilbert, another person to appear, acknowledged the courtroom when he faced Judge Binns.

"I am protesting on your behalf, all of you."

Anti-mandate protester Matthew Brown will have his sanity assessed before his next court appearance.

Anti-mandate protesters are arrested outside Parliament yesterday. Photo / Mark Mitchell

"I haven't had much sleep because I'm quite emotional," Matthew Brown said in court today.

Brown appeared facing two charges of wilful trespass. The court heard one of those charges relates to an incident last year.

Protesters and police in a stand-off outside Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Those charged have travelled from as far north as Whangārei and as far south as Southland to take part in the protest on Parliament's front lawn. The occupation is in its fourth day with no end in sight.

Among those charged are:
• 19-year-old man from Wellington.
• 43-year-old man from Dannevirke.
• 57-year-old woman from Whangārei .
• 55-year-old woman from Waitākere.
• 58-year-old man from Central Otago.
• 53-year-old woman from Helensville .
• 56-year-old woman from Southland.
• 34-year-old woman from Napier.
• 40-year-old woman from Christchurch.
• 55-year-old woman from Palmerston North.
• 51-year-old woman from Hamilton.
• 31-year-old woman from Gisborne.
• 36-year-old woman from New Plymouth.
• 40-year-old woman from Southland.
• 55-year-old man from Okaihau.
• 28-year-old woman from Wellington.
• Two charging documents with name unknown.

Dunedin-based Brown, who has elected to represent himself in court, attempted to enter a not guilty plea to his charge.

Brown admitted he had an anger problem and said his temper flared yesterday.

"My temper got the better of me yesterday, and I realise my behaviour is unacceptable."

Judge Binns said she was not going to take Brown's plea today and ordered two reports be done by the courts assessing his fitness to stand trial and his sanity.

He will reappear in the Wellington District Court on March 14.

Others to appear this morning included Hamilton woman Sarah Margaret Oliver, Otago man Timothy James Lerew and Southland woman Deborah Gail Racz.

Police arrest anti-mandate protesters at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Oliver, who appeared this morning, continues to refuse to sign her bail bond.

Moments before Oliver left the screen this morning, she alleged at least two protesters had experienced police intimidation while held in the cells overnight.

Lerew refused to sign his bail bond initially because he was confused why he needed to be told to stay away from Parliament when he was already trespassed.

Judge Binns advised Lerew to seek legal advice and remanded him on bail to reappear on February 22.

Racz told the court she wished to not enter a plea, and said she felt she'd done nothing wrong.

Many have been remanded on bail to appear on various dates throughout the rest of the month.

More protesters are expected before the courts tomorrow.