January 06, 2013
Court clears Muaupoko man of Horowhenua assault
The High Court has dressed down police for the way they treated a Muaupoko man who is campaigning to clean up Lake Horowhenua.
The court last month quashed convictions for assault and threatening behaviour against 53-year-old Philip Taueki.
Mr Taueki was arrested after he challenged kayakers on the lake on two days in August, including off-duty policeman Mike Tate.
Justice McKenzie says it was unsatisfactory that senior constable Tate investigated the incident involving him.
Mr Taueki represented himself in court.
Palmerston North rural police area commander Inspector Mark Harrison says the High Court judgment would be reviewed, but denies the case shows malice towards Mr Taueki.
Mr Taueki says Levin police slam him in jail every time he objects to illegal use of the lake, which has been vested in Muaupoko. He will ask the Independent Police Complaints Authority to investigate.
Over the past 18 months Mr Taueki has faced 19 charges, of which 12 have been dismissed, quashed or dropped. Another case relating to a 2008 incident involving Mt Taueki and a member of the Horowhenua Sailing Club is before the Supreme Court.
The courts have found that rowing and sailing clubs have no right to occupy the buildings at Lake Horowhenua, but the Lake Domain Board has yet to ask them to vacate the buildings.
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