Protesters have option of diversion

Greenpeace head Russel Norman and two other activists can avoid convictions if they own up to swimming near a seismic survey ship off the Wairarapa coast during a protest.

The trio will be offered diversion as a way of resolving charges of interfering with the operation of the Amazon Warrior, an oil industry vessel that was carrying out exploratory survey work in April.

Norman, a former co-leader of the Green Party, along with Sara Howell and Gavin Mulvay, were among protesters aboard Greenpeace’s boat Taitu which ‘‘intercepted’’ the Amazon Warrior about 50 nautical miles off the Wairarapa coast.

They were charged by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) under the Crown Minerals Act when the Taitu arrived back in port at Napier.

Under the diversion scheme, those facing low-level charges can have the case against them dropped if they admit guilt and carry out agreed restitution, which can include making an apology and paying reparations.

The case was called in the Napier District Court yesterday.

Norman, Howell and Mulvay did not appear and were remanded without plea until August so diversion could be considered. Greenpeace NZ also faces two charges of interfering with the Amazon Warrior. Through its lawyer, the organisation intimated it would plead not guilty and its case was also remanded to August.

A Greenpeace spokeswoman said the charges against the organisation were a ‘‘surprising twist’’ in the case and were only laid last week. Norman, Howell and Mulvay would await the diversion conditions put up by MBIE before deciding whether to accept the offer, she said.