A judge has set aside two weeks to hear evidence in the case against prominent lockdown protesters Brian and Hannah Tamaki and several members of their church.
However, when that two-week fixture will take place remains to be determined.
During a brief pre-trial hearing today in Auckland District Court, Judge Grant Fraser indicated a trial date will be determined in February. None of the five defendants were required to attend today's hearing, and they've been excused from attending the next one as well.
Brian Tamaki, founder of controversial Auckland-based Destiny Church, is accused of intentionally failing to comply with the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act, which could carry a penalty of up to six months imprisonment and a $4000 fine if he is convicted.
Police said he violated Covid-19 lockdown orders on multiple occasions last year by attending Auckland Domain rallies on October 2 and 16 and on November 20. He was also accused multiple times of violating his bail conditions by continuing to attend the rallies.