GISBORNE DISTRICT COURT

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Rachael Iritana Te Aho, 25, pleaded guilty to a number of charges after four were withdrawn and two were amended.

The admitted charges were six of using a document for a financial advantage, two of attempting to using a document, theft (under $500), two thefts from shops (one involving goods over $500 the other involving goods over $1000), driving while disqualified for a third or subsequent time, wilful trespass, and a breach of bail.

She was further remanded on electronically-monitored bail for sentence on November 17.

The case was referred to the restorative justice process, although police noted some of the victims are businesses — American Express, the ANZ Bank, Pak'nSave, The Warehouse, and Bar 59.

Jason Lee Naden, 36, pleaded guilty to assault on a person in a family relationship but not guilty to assault with intent to injure, strangulation, and two counts of threatening to kill.

The charges relate to alleged offending by Naden against his mother.

On the denied matters, Naden elected a judge-alone trial and was further remanded in custody for a case review hearing on November 20. The admitted charge will follow alongside.

Counsel Leighvi Maynard told the court Naden's mother was at court to support him but was not allowed inside due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Te Maori Miratana pleaded not guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a knife, and assault with a blunt instrument.

He was further remanded on bail for a case review hearing on November 22.

Three charges of breaching bail, to which Miratana is yet to plead, are following alongside.

Raymond Grant Moeke, 58, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in public — a machete — and a breach of bail. He was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within six months.

There was an order for destruction of the weapon.

Police said the offence was low-level and when asked to put the knife down, Moeke did so.

Destruction of the knife along with a conviction and discharge would suffice.

A probation officer supported the police position confirming Moeke was a repeat offender who had been given all manner of sentences by the court. Moeke's real issues were his homelessness and alcoholism, the officer said.

Moeke said he had the machete because he lives in the bush.

Judge Bolstad said he needed to understand other people felt threatened by people who carried such weapons.

Tushar Balat, 37, fruit picker, pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order. A conviction was withheld for the case to be transferred to Family Harm Intervention Court.

It will be called there on December 21.

Meanwhile, Balat was directed to attend a Stopping Violence programme at Tauawhi Men's Centre.

Rosalea Tamatea, 45, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified for a third or subsequent time. She was further remanded on bail for a report and sentence on November 11.

Tamatea was directed in the meantime to engage with counselling services for alcohol and other drugs.

Te Ngahuru Maxwell McClutchie, 33, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified for a third or subsequent time. He was further remanded on bail for a report and sentence on November 11.

Counsel Mana Taumaunu said he was considering making an application for McClutchie to avoid a mandatory disqualification due to special circumstances.

McClutchie was convicted and discharged for a breach of bail, which he also admitted.