Woman ‘declares war on Govt’

A woman charged with smashing the Prime Minister’s electorate office with a samurai sword says she has a painful illness and is “declaring war on the Government” for not looking after her. The Coatesville woman, 57, appeared at the Auckland District Court yesterday on a charge of causing intentional damage. “I’ve been through different ministers, different governments and the Prime Minister promised to look after me,” she said, visibly agitated. Police arrested her on Thursday after a glass door at Jacinda Ardern’s electorate office in Mt Albert was smashed about 8.20am. Lawyer Hayden Geddes sought interim name suppression to allow her mental health to be fully assessed. A forensic nurse said the woman had a history of health issues and conflict with government departments. Judge Philip Recordon granted her interim name suppression until her next court appearance in two weeks. He granted her bail on condition she not go within 100 metres of the office, and have no contact with weapons and explosive devices.