Elizabeth Jane Cooney, also known as Liz Gunn, has pleaded not guilty to assault and has also denied charges of trespassing on Auckland Airport and resisting police.
Gunn, a conspiracy activist and former TV presenter, appeared in the Manukau District Court on Thursday morning after being arrested at Auckland Airport late last month.
Jonathon Clark, who appeared alongside Gunn, has also pleaded not guilty to charges of trespassing on Auckland International Airport and resisting police.
Newshub understands the pair was attempting to film the February airport arrival of a family that had been kept in lockdown in Tokelau after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
At the time, police said officers were called to Auckland International Airport after reports of an assault.
Speaking outside court after her appearance, Gunn, surrounded by about 20 supporters, called for Police Commissioner Andrew Coster to be sacked over her arrest.
Gunn doubled down on claims she's previously made about her arrest being "brutal".
"No human being should be treated as I was," she said. "My arms were pulled viciously behind me."
Police have previously declined to comment on Gunn's claims of a violent arrest.
Both Gunn and Clark have been remanded on bail and are due to reappear in the Manukau District Court in June.
