Protesters shut down court

Protests over Kiri Campbell's court case shut down the Hawera District Court today. Photo / Bevan Conley

A group of protesters forced the Hawera District Court to abandon proceedings temporarily this morning.

Judge Allan Roberts was to hear several cases as part of a standard police list day, but 50-80 supporters of Kiri Campbell, who was due to appear on charges of using a document for pecuniary advantage, forced him to remain in his chambers.

The public gallery was packed with people, some even having to sit on the floor. One protester was waving a flag and Judge Roberts, through police, requested the flag be removed but the protester refused.

About six police and court security officers entered the courtroom at 10.15am to ask the protester to remove the flag a final time but he refused, and court officers including media were escorted from the courtroom.

Campbell could be heard in the cells screaming, prompting supporters to call out to her.

Campbell was taken from the courthouse in a police vehicle and the protesters held an impromptu hui outside the court.

Hearings were later resumed.