Marina protester pleads not guilty

AUCKLAND: One of the protesters arrested at Kennedy Point, on Waiheke Island, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The Patiki Bay protest and occupation is opposed to the development of the Hauraki Gulf island’s first marina, which would have 186 berths.

One of the arrested protesters was charged with assault with intent to injure, wilful trespass, and injuring with intent to injure.

Not guilty pleas were entered on all charges yesterday in the Auckland District Court, where more than a dozen people arrived to support the woman.

She asked for name suppression.

‘‘This is a case which has been wellpublicised and there are about 10 people at the moment facing charges in relation to this activity at Waiheke Island,’’ defence counsel Kingi Snelgar said.

‘‘She wants time to advise her whanau about these matters being before the courts.’’

‘‘Why hasn’t she already done it?’’ community magistrate Leigh Langridge asked, saying the woman was arrested on July 15.

Mr Snelgar said it was most likely his client was not familiar with the name suppression process. The woman was granted 28 days’ interim name suppression. She is on bail and is not allowed to reenter the marina construction zone.

It is yet to be decided if she will elect a judgealone trial or jury trial.

The matter will be heard again at a case review on September 20.

Before yesterday’s court hearing, Protect Patiki urged the Auckland Council to revoke resource consent granted for the marina in 2017.

‘‘This is an opportunity for them to engage in positive change and reconciliation with Ngati Paoa and with the Waiheke Community,’’ Protect Patiki said in a statement. —