Tame Iti told the Rotorua District Court yesterday that a $35,000 television camera damaged at Lake Waikaremoana in September was dropped by the cameraman.
The Maori activist, representing himself at a depositions hearing, said that Television New Zealand cameraman Nick Zieltjes dropped his camera after he struck at it with a taiaha (spear) before the rededication of a Department of Conservation gallery at Aniwaniwa.
Iti is charged with two counts of assault and one of wilful damage after he struck former friend Te Kaha with his taiaha before turning and striking at the camera that recorded the assault.
Mr Zieltjes was cut on his left arm and said he was badly shaken. The viewfinder on his camera was damaged and he was no longer able to film the ceremony.
"I consider Mr Iti was not content with his first attack and was possibly sizing up for another blow if I did not [stop filming]," Mr Zieltjes said.
Reporter Greg Haye, who saw the incident, said Mr Zieltjes was lucky not to have ended up with worse injuries.
Iti suggested that it was inappropriate for Mr Zieltjes to film in an area that he viewed as sacred.
Mr Zieltjes said: "We were on public property. I was performing my job and I don't need your permission to take a photo."
The defendant, who spoke entirely in Maori, also charged Mr Haye with insensitivity.
"There was a strong overtone that you don't like people who do my job," said Mr Haye.
"You called me a rat who might get some crumbs off your table ... I'll never forget that."
Iti said that the journalist had not followed protocol and should not have approached Mr Te Kaha - who stole the Colin McCahon triptych returned to Waikaremoana that day - because he had shamed the Tuhoe people.
Iti also said that his mana had been transgressed when the footage of his attack on Mr Te Kaha and the camera was broadcast on the news.
"Nothing was reported about the meritable works of Tame Iti to allay problems within Tuhoe," he said.
Judge James Weir will decide if Iti has a case to answer.
Television camera was dropped, Iti tells court
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