'Nuisance explorer' no longer on Christchurch streets

The Christchurch earthquake has proved far too much turmoil for nuisance explorer Lyall Anzac Hetariki and the 39-year-old has ended up in jail.

An attempt was made on Tuesday at the Rangiora Court House, where Christchurch arrest cases are being handled, to keep him out of custody.

He needs help and treatment at a dual programme that deals with people with mental health and substance abuse issues.

The best option is in Auckland, but it has not been possible to get him into the programme even with the Parole Board backing the idea.

Hetariki tends to live rough and go exploring. After Christchurch's September earthquake he was arrested for being inside the central city cordon - within the fencing around the Manchester Courts building which was broken and due for demolition.

He was eventually recalled to serve the rest of a prison term and now faces another charge of breach of release conditions, and additional charges of trespassing, possession of an offensive weapon, and resisting arrest.

Christchurch District Court Judge David Saunders released him on bail on Tuesday, to live at the Salvation Army single men's hostel in Poulson Street, Addington.

Hetariki was then asked to leave because of an accusation of stealing. He spent the night at the Meadow Park Holiday Park in Papanui, and then went to the Pioneer Stadium emergency centre where he caused some concern among others seeking shelter.

He was eventually picked up again by the police because he was no longer at his bail address, and that led to his appearance back at Rangiora today before Judge Tony Couch.

He wanted to go back to Meadow Park to live at a tent site, but Judge Couch pointed out there was an obvious absence of a tent, or any means of support.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Jeff Kay said Hetariki was now effectively homeless.

Judge Couch said he could not remand him back to Pioneer Stadium, where the staff had enough issues to deal with running an emergency centre.

The only alternative was a remand in custody to May 4, though his case may be reconsidered if a place becomes available in a suitable treatment programme.

"I am sure that Community Probation will do what they can," Judge Couch said. "But in the meantime you are so unable to control yourself in the wider community that it is simply impractical for you to be bailed during this emergency."

- NZPA