Three people facing corruption charges over business deals did not turn up for their second appearance at Wellington District Court on Wednesday.
One of them is charged with breaching the Secret Commissions Act by corruptly obtaining payments worth more than $1.8 million.
All three have interim name suppression and their lawyer argued two could not attend the hearing because of health issues, which was agreed to by the prosecution.
Judge Chris Tuohy told the lawyers they could not excuse the non-appearance of the defendants without the approval of a judge.
The three accused were remanded at large until their next appearance on 26 July.
