Kawerau siege: Trial to begin for alleged gunman

The scene after the Kawerau siege. Photo / Ben Fraser

The trial for the alleged gunman at the centre of an armed stand-off with police at Onepu, near Kawerau, is about to begin in the High Court at Hamilton.

A jury of eight women and four men has been selected and sworn in for the trial before Justice Timothy Brewer.

Rhys Richard Ngahiwi Warren, 28, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of attempted murder, three charges of using a firearm against a law enforcement officer and one charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm during a two-day siege at a farmhouse near Kawerau on March 9, last year.

Warren is representing himself.

The charges have a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment. The trial is expected to last three weeks.

Court has adjourned and will recommence at 2pm.