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Tame Iti and four of his co-accused - all of whom are facing firearms-related charges - were released on bail yesterday afternoon to a crowd of cheering and clapping supporters.
Earlier in the day a sixth co-accused, 38-year-old Whiri Andrew Kemara, was also released on bail following an
appearance in the Auckland District Court.
As Tame Iti walked free for the first time in nearly a month, he hugged and kissed his waiting children and grandchildren before thanking the large crowd for their support.
"I would like to thank all the supporters and all the freedom fighters around not only Aotearoa but around the world. So thank you for your support."
Iti was granted bail during an appearance in the High Court at Auckland during which he had to move closer to the judge because of a hearing problem.
He has a number of bail conditions, including residing in Whakatane, reporting to Whakatane police and not associating with his co-accused unless it was during his official duties with a marae.
He is also not allowed to apply for a firearms licence or be in possession of any firearms.
Iti's lawyer Annette Sykes told the Herald his first plans upon his release were to have dinner with his family last night before heading home to see his wife, who was "waiting for him".
Four of Iti's other co-accused appeared in the same court before him yesterday.
They were 36-year-old Valerie Morse, 30-year-old Emily Bailey, a 23-year-old man who has name suppression and 19-year-old Omar Hamed. None wanted to speak to the media after their release.
They were instead whisked away by friends and family, some of whom were wearing black T-shirts with the words "State Terrorists Kidnapped My Friend".
Supporters filled the courtroom during the bail applications, clapping and cheering when bail was granted by Justice Mark Cooper.
Police presence was increased at the court and bags were searched as people entered. At one stage all members of the public were asked to leave the courtroom while secret evidence was discussed.
Outside the main entrance protesters carried cards which read: "Sack the police chief Howard Broad" and "Abolish the SIS".
Socialist Worker member Len Parker called for reparation.
"We think Tuhoe need more than an apology, they need restitution for the damage they've had done to their houses and the trauma to their families and children."
Asked what he believed the accused were doing allegedly in possession of firearms and molotov cocktails, Mr Parker said: "A lot of people go hunting. Some of them might not have been able to afford licences."
Mr Parker opposed the basis of the Terrorism Act and said the accused were being unfairly persecuted.
"We haven't seen the same emphasis put on gangs that fire molotov cocktails into people's homes."
John Minto, from Global Peace and Justice Auckland, said the "nightmare" part of the saga was now over. "I think the rest of it's going to be manageable. These people are still facing serious charges and we're going to be here to make sure that they get the best hearing that can be provided.
"We'd be surprised if the police case doesn't crumble a lot further in the next couple of weeks."
