The regional council had given Nunn six weeks, a deadline that expired on Monday, to remove a yacht he owns that had sunk in the harbour, but he reportedly responded with abuse when he was reminded of his obligation.
Police and council staff approached him again, aboard his boat, at 6am on Tuesday, and were again abused with Nunn also allegedly presenting a loaded crossbow.
They withdrew and called on police in Kaitaia and the Whangārei-based Armed Offenders Squad.
Police negotiated with Nunn for some hours, including an offer to put him in contact with a lawyer, which was refused. At one point, according to witnesses ashore, he fired an arrow at an AOS drone, although it is not clear whether the arrow was actually released.
Witnesses had a clear view of a flare and two smoke bombs being fired from the catamaran when police went on board and arrested Nunn without serious incident.
A witness also told the Northland Age that Nunn had been sitting on the deck of his boat, playing a saxophone, while the standoff continued.
No one was injured in any of the incidents leading up to and including the arrest.
