Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Christchurch anti-lockdown arrests end up in court

Police speaking to anti-lockdown protesters in central Christchurch yesterday. Photo / RNZ

A far-right activist has been denied bail after being arrested for allegedly breaching the national Covid-19 lockdown yesterday.

A group of about 10 anti-lockdown protesters gathered at the Bridge of Remembrance in central Christchurch about 1pm yesterday.

Police say they "engaged and encouraged" the protesters to comply with alert level 4 restrictions.

However, three were taken into custody when they refused to do so.

Kyle Chapman, along with 46-year-old Adam Nuttall and a 56-year-old woman, were charged with failing to comply with a direction/prohibition/restriction (Covid-19). The charge carries a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment.

They all appeared at Christchurch District Court today.

The Herald dialled in remotely to view the court proceedings.

Chapman, 50, who lives in Christchurch, appeared on audio visual link (AVL) from custody wearing a "Freedom for the children" T-shirt.

Duty lawyer Rupert Ward made a bail application on behalf of Chapman, which was opposed by police.

Judge Quentin Hix declined bail and remanded him in custody to reappear in court, via AVL again, next Tuesday.

Nuttall, wearing a "Covid Lies NZ Dies" shirt, was also declined bail this morning but got his case recalled this afternoon, where he was granted bail, with conditions to stay at home, abide by lockdown rules, stay out of the central city, not to associate with Chapman and the other accused, and keep off social media.

He'll be back in court on September 10 along with the woman, who was also granted bail with similar conditions.