Smith manhunt leads to charges for 17

Police have charged 17 people as part of Operation Seal, the name given to the manhunt for Kim Bruce Smith.

The 41-year-old has appeared in the Hamilton District Court facing 29 charges, including possession of methamphetamine for supply, conspiring to defeat the course of justice and unlawful possession of explosives and firearms.

Smith had been on the run from police after failing to appear in the Kaitaia District Court last December.

He was remanded in custody until November 9 for a pre-depositions conference and is expected to face new charges.

The others, who face a variety of charges including assisting Smith to avoid recapture, were remanded to the same date.