Conspiracy theorist Billy Te Kahika Jr and Youtuber Vincent Eastwood have appeared on the first day of a trial at Auckland District court.
The pair are accused of breaching COVID-19 orders in organising and attending an anti-lockdown protest outside TVNZ in Auckland.
The prosecutor told the court Billy Te Kahika called police and advised them of a gathering on August 18, 2021.
The prosecutor said Te Kahika estimated 200 to 300 people would be in attendance.
A witness for the police said Te Kahika outlined his reasons for protesting the lockdown which included being concerned people would lose their livelihood and be pushed towards suicide, not believing the virus had been detected in New Zealand and reiterating a conspiracy theory that police and health officials would go door-to-door and vaccinate people.
Police said Te Kahika was warned against organising and attending the gathering, which would be in breach of COVID-19 orders that came into place at 11.59pm on August 17 - the day before the rally.
Despite the warnings, police played social media videos of Billy Te Kahika encouraging people to join the protest.
Justice Winter told supporters of the pair, who wanted to record and livestream the trial, they would have to apply for permission to do so and hold proper media accreditation for permission to be granted.
Because of the size of the court, Te Kahika and Eastwood were permitted six supporters each, during proceedings.
The trial will continue at Auckland District court tomorrow.
