Murupara Police Station axe attack-accused denies charges

The front door of the Murupara Police Station after an alleged axe attack. Photo / Ben Fraser

A man accused of using an axe to smash the Murupara Police Station, sparking an armed police callout, has denied three charges.

Mark Howard Christiansen, described in court documents as a 55-year-old retailer from Galatea, appeared in the Rotorua District Court on Friday.

He pleaded not guilty to burglary with a weapon, intentional damage and threatening grievous bodily harm.

He is accused of using an axe to break into the locked police station on Pine Drive during the day on March 26.

Judge Joanne Wickliffe noted his not-guilty pleas and remanded Christiansen in custody for a case review hearing on July 23.

She also ordered a psychiatric report.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.