Policewoman injured in Hawera court protest

3:41 pm on 1 March 2016

A policewoman was admitted to hospital and five people arrested for disorderly behaviour after a protest forced Hawera District Court to close this morning.

Patricia Tahere Green and Kylee Kathleen Rereatua Green were appearing on charges of theft and receiving, over Shell Todd Oil Service's seismic survey pegs.

The court was cleared after the women refused to co-operate with Judge Gary Barkle and their supporters struggled with court staff.

The fracas continued outside, where protesters fought with police reinforcements.

Police said a female officer was assaulted and received minor injuries.

The defendants have been remanded at large to reappear on 31 March.