Three Siblings Among The 17 "Terror" Accused

“Mōrena” resounded from a packed public gallery at the Auckland District Court this morning when Tuhoe activist Tame Iti greeted supporters from the dock.

Friends and families showed their support for many of the accused by standing as each of them entered the courtroom, and breaking into applause after favourable outcomes were delivered.

Cries of “I love you”, and “bye dad”, were heard as some defendants left the courtroom.

And as name suppressions were lifted today it was revealed that three of the accused are siblings – identical twin brothers Ira and Rongomai Bailey, and their sister Emily.

People travelled from around the country in support of the 15 who went before the judge today, but much of the time was spent dealing with media requests to film, photograph and record audio of the defendants in court.

The lawyer representing TVNZ, TV3, Maori TV, Fairfax publications, and Radio NZ said it was a case of intense public interest and principles of open justice should only give way when there are compelling reasons.

There was some tension as several defence lawyers argued they had not been given sufficient warning of media requests to record.

Judge Patrick Treston granted permission to film and photograph a number of the accused in court including Marama Mayrick, but several applications were declined on the basis names were misspelt, or the application was unsigned.

The media was granted permission to record audio of all the defendants, although some would have to be censored to conceal their identity.

Ira Bailey was granted bail today, and Emily Bailey’s lawyer indicated a bail application for her could be heard tomorrow.

Images of all three Bailey siblings are suppressed.

Well known Wellington anti-weapons activist Valerie Morse, 36, also decided not to continue name suppression, but photo suppression remains in place until December 3.

Morse’s lawyer indicated a bail application for her may also be heard tomorrow.

Name suppression was also lifted for Moana Winitana a 53-year-old student from Palmerston North,

He was remanded to reappear on December 3 to face charges under the Arms Act.

Jamie Lockett also appeared in court today and is going to apply for home detention on December 12.

The Crown announced that Marama Mayrick, Ira Bailey, Moana Winitana, and a person from Rotorua who has continued name suppression, are the four whose cases are not being considered for Terrorism Suppression Act charges.

Seven of the 17 people arrested in the so-called “terror raids” still have name suppression.

ENDS

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