KEY POINTS:
Freed Tuhoe activist Tame Iti thanked his supporters in emotional scenes outside the Auckland High Court this evening.
After beating terror charges yesterday, Iti was released on bail from the Auckland High Court just after 5pm this evening.
"It's for freedom fighters all around the country. Thank you
for your support," Iti told his followers.
Earlier, Justice Cooper approved his bail amid scenes of high excitement from Tuhoe supporters.
Iti and four others, who were also released on bail, will return to the Auckland District Court on December 3.
The five are facing firearms charges following the Solicitor-General David Collins' decision yesterday not to allow police to bring terrorism charges against any of the 'Urewera 16'.
The accused had their bail hearings heard in two groups with four people - Wellington activist Valerie Morse, 36; Emily Bailey, 30, also from Wellington; Auckland University student Omar Hamed, 19; and a man who has name suppression - receiving bail, before Iti entered the dock.
Iti then received a separate bail hearing and was awarded bail.
The decisions sparked scenes of jubilation in the court, forcing Justice Cooper to remind the public that his courtroom was not a place for such scenes.
Their successful bail application followed that of a co-accused, 38-year-old Whiri Kemara, who was bailed this morning.
In a dramatic afternoon, all members of the public and the media were asked to leave the courtroom while the crown prosecutor presented secret police evidence in relation to the bail application against the accused to the court.
Justice Cooper said that the five accused faced charges under the Arms Act which carry a maximum sentence of four years in prison and up to $5000 in fines.
Outside the court John Minto told NZPA the release of the six accused signalled the end of the nightmare for them.
"Three weeks ago we were in a really dire situation but now everyone's thrilled."
What happened from now on was manageable, he said.
Mr Minto accepted the accused still faced serious arms charges but said it was up to the police to produce the evidence against them.
It was relief for the accused to be out on bail as they had faced up to two years in custody while waiting for a trial, he said.
"The worst of the nightmare for the family is over."
On Monday bail applications will be heard for Jamie Lockett, 46, Tuhoe Lambert, 59 and Rawiri Iti, nephew of Tame Iti.
It is expected those three men will also successfully be granted bail.
