Armed siege: Accused Rhys Warren pleads not guilty

Rhys Richard Ngahiwi Warren appears in the Whakatane District Court earlier this month. PHOTO/FILE

The man alleged to be at the centre of an armed stand-off with police at Onepu near Kawerau earlier this month has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Rhys Richard Ngahiwi Warren, 27, of Coastlands, was scheduled to appear in the Rotorua District Court tomorrow.

However a court registry officer advised media the case had instead been dealt with in judge's chambers today following applications by both the Crown and defence.

Defence counsel entered not guilty pleas and elected trial by jury on all charges on behalf of Warren, she said.

By consent of both parties, Warren's next appearance will be in the Tauranga District Court on May 31 via audio visual link (AVL) for a case review hearing.

Warren has been remanded back into custody until that date.

Suppression orders made at his first appearance will continue, including the identities of the injured police officers.

Warren faces four charges of using a firearm against four police officers on March 9.

The charges have a maximum penalty of 14 years' prison.