Parliament Protester's Trespass Charge Dropped as Judge Rules Police's Warnings Inconsistent
November 11, 2022
The first legal challenge to the validity trespass orders given to Parliament protesters early in the occupation in February has won one for those arrested.
Moana Maaka, from Palmerston North, had pleaded not guilty to a single charge of wilful trespass.
The charge against her was dismissed on Friday by Wellington District Court judge Andrew Nicholls, who said the police’s communication with those on Parliament grounds had not been clear enough.
The decision has repercussions for others arrested on February 10 between 8.25am to 9.10am. About 120 people were taken into custody on that day, with police confirming 31 prosecutions are still active.