Three nephews of the MP Hone Harawira are facing charges of assaulting a 12-year-old boy.
The trio are Mau and Tohora Harawira, aged 30 and 22 respectively, and Enesi Taito, aged 25.
They are sons of Hinewhare Harawira, who led a march against violence at Waitangi Day commemorations this year and grandsons of activist Titewhai Harawira.
In a summary of facts, police told the Auckland District Court the accused chased the boy into his home, assaulted him in his bedroom and stole his property in August last year.
All are facing a charge of assault with intent to injure. Mau Harawira is also charged with robbing the boy of a PlayStation, shoes and cap.
Police allege that the Harawira brothers, who had been drinking, chased the boy to his home believing that he had mouthed words at them on a Manukau Harbour beach.
Police say the trio found the boy in his bedroom, slapped and kicked him, dragged him by his hair onto the deck and slapped him again, causing bruising.
The 12-year-old suffered bruising and was taken to hospital for a check and discharged.
Police said two of the accused admitted the facts of the matter when spoken to, and Mau Harawira had bought a PlayStation to replace the one taken from the boy and later dumped.
They have not yet entered pleas to the charges and are due back in court in April.
Hone Harawira says his family remains the cornerstone of his life, through good times and bad. He has offered to help settle the matter in the best interests of all parties.
