The man accused of shooting four police officers during an armed siege near Kawerau in March claims the court has no jurisdiction over him.
Rhys Warren appeared at the Tauranga High Court via video link on Wednesday morning ahead of his trial next year.
He has been charged with four counts of using a firearm against a police officer after a 24-hour siege near Kawerau.
He's refusing to accept official legal representation and has instead appointed his own representatives to speak for him. But Justice Brewer told him this is legally impossible.
"They can't [speak] unless they are practicing barristers and solicitors of the High Court, that's just the law. You can speak on your own behalf, but you can't have others speak for you."
Warren told the court that to his understanding, the court had no jurisdiction over him.
Justice Brewer said nobody else believed that, and reminded him that the trial will take place.
"You are representing yourself but if you don't take steps to do that effectively, then what's going to happen to you?" he said.
Warren quoted the Treaty of Waitangi in his arguments, telling the judge "…these are not beliefs - these are laws. If you go against this, then I’m going to have to section 12 you for misbehaving."
Warren also told the court that he reserved his right to speak in Te Reo at legal proceedings, "under the Maori Language Act".
Justice Brewer informed Warren that he was going to get a review of a forensic ballistics report made available to him if he wished.
Warren was further remanded in custody, with his trial set down for March 6 next year.
Newshub.
