Iti wants marae hearing for case

Maori activist Tame Iti refused to stand in the dock at the Otahuhu District Court yesterday on assault charges, and says he will ask for his case to he heard on a marae.

Iti appeared on two charges of assault with a weapon and one of wilful damage.

He was arrested this week following an incident at a ceremony last week dedicated to reconciliation between the Tuhoe people and the Crown at Lake Waikaremoana.

Yesterday, Iti refused to stand in the dock until Judge Charles Blackie told him "everybody else does."

Iti, who was representing himself, asked to have the case heard on a marae, but Judge Blackie told him he would have to wait until his next appearance and then ask the presiding judge.

Iti was remanded to appear in the Rotorua District Court soon and granted bail.