Protesters charged with trespassing at Parliament have appeared in the Wellington District Court, with some refusing to enter a plea until they've spoken to anti-vaccination lawyer Sue Grey.
The defendants were among more than 120 people arrested yesterday at Parliament, where a standoff broke out between anti-mandate protesters and police attempting to move them on.
Dozens of those arrested were due to appear in court on Friday on charges of trespassing. But progress in the courtroom has been slow, with some defendants refusing to accept legal aid and challenging directions from the judge.
Police have asked for bail conditions prohibiting the defendants from returning to Parliament.
Hamilton woman Sarah Margaret Oliver told the court she wouldn't agree to the bail conditions until she'd had a chance to speak to Grey.
"We have asked to talk with our lawyer Sue Grey," Oliver told the court via video link. "We're having trouble connecting with her."
Grey is an anti-vaccination activist and lawyer who has represented others charged over lockdown protests.
Judge Jenny Binns warned Oliver she could be held in custody over the weekend if she refused to agree to the conditions.
"I'm not telling you I'll sign the bail bond," Oliver told the court. "I haven't digested the information on the piece of paper and want to marry that with information Sue Grey has given to my peers."
Several of the defendants were cut off by the judge after trying to make personal statements.
At one point, Oliver asked the judge "at what point our rights to free speech to stand up for children" would come into play in court.
Judge Binns told Oliver Friday's appearance was to deal with bail and whether the defendant would enter a plea.
"Today is not about freedom of speech or anything of that sort," said Judge Binns.
Her first appearance was brought to an end when she attempted to tell the judge: "I want to say my plea - no crime and no plea."
Judge Binns told the defendant: "Thank you. I'm going to terminate this call."
Oliver was remanded without plea to appear in court later this month.
Many of those appearing today had declined free legal advice.
Southland woman Deborah Gail Racz told the court she hadn't spoken to a lawyer.
"I'm not sure what the case is but we had one lady who was working through Sue Grey," she told the court.
Judge Binns told Racz she would like her to get legal advice before she enters a plea.
"To me I feel like I've done nothing wrong and I will be pleading no plea," said Racz.
She was remanded without a plea to reappear again in court next week.
Otago carpenter Timothy James Lerew told the court he believed the protest was legal.
"People are saying we were legally there," he told the judge.
Lerew claimed Police had told him he hadn't been charged with trespassing.
"Well, it is a charge," said Judge Binns. "And that's why you need to get some advice."
The appearance was ended when Lerew attempted to ask the judge whether she was exempt from the COVID vaccine.
"I'm not going to answer personal questions," said Judge Binns.
"But you expect us to answer them," Carew replied.
He was remanded on bail without plea to reappear later this month.
