A candidate in the upcoming local body election accused of assault has had name suppression extended.
The candidate appeared in Hastings District Court today and argued for name suppression on the basis that publication of the name would cause undue hardship.
Hawke's Bay Today was present in court to oppose the suppression but Deputy Editor Mark Story was not allowed to address Judge Bridget Mackintosh.
The candidate has been accused of assaulting a Lotto shop worker in March of this year.
They were offered diversion but declined "for personal reasons" indicating they could not live with that.