Airport protesters remanded at large

A protester is arrested by police as the occupation of the Kaitaia Airport ends. Photo / Edward Rooney

Five people arrested during the occupation of Kaitaia airport last week have been remanded at large without plea.

Eva Crockenburg, 59, from Awanui, Anthony Gregory Housham, 64, Auckland, Joseph Nathan (aka Reti Boynton), 38, Kaitaia, Barney Popata, 61, Oturu, and Robin Popata, 61, Kaitaia, appeared before Judge Greg Davis in the Kaitaia District Court yesterday jointly charged with wilful trespass. They will appear again on October 22.

A sixth defendant, Selwyn James Clarke, 88, Ahipara, did not appear and the charge against him was adjourned to October 22.

Much of yesterday's brief hearing was devoted to the issue of bail, with counsel Richard Parangi telling Judge Davis that continuing bail, with the condition that the defendants not enter the airport property, could impinge upon their right to conduct a peaceful protest.

Judge Davis agreed to remand the defendants at large without conditions, after each had assured him that they would not enter the property except for some lawful purpose and would not behave in a manner that was disrespectful to any other party.