Emergency services were called. A front seat passenger was trapped in the vehicle and the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to help.
The firefighters were trying to assist but were obstructed by Tamakehu, who was sitting in the driver's seat hindering their work, Ms Stratford told the court.
Tamakehu became abusive and started swinging punches, hitting one firefighter in the ribs, taking his breath away, and hitting another firefighter on the chin. They had no lasting injuries as a result of the assault, she said.
The defendant had to be restrained until police arrived at the scene. He declined to make any comment to officers about the incident.
Judge Phillips asked for emotional harm reports and remanded Tamakehu on bail.
While on bail, he was not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs, or associate with the assault victims, the judge said.
Justine Baird appeared as duty counsel and said Tamakehu opposed an in-court photograph being taken and wanted to get a lawyer to make written submissions about it.
But Judge Phillips said the case was a matter of public interest because of the high level of publicity about the incident, and granted permission for the Otago Daily Times to take a photo.
