The trial of a woman accused of New Zealand's first aircraft hijacking has been delayed for a second time.
Asha Abdille, 35, is accused of trying to hijack an Air New Zealand flight between Blenheim and Christchurch in 2008, and of stabbing the two pilots and a passenger who tried to stop her.
She was arrested when the flight landed and has been in custody for more than two years.
The High Court heard on Monday that Ms Abdille and her lawyer had parted company. A new lawyer will now be appointed and the trial date pushed back to late July or August.
The trial date had already been moved from last September.
Ms Abdille was accompanied by three prison staff in court and was manacled to a thick leather belt.
She has also previously sacked her lawyers, the first team being replaced in 2008 before depositions.
On Monday, Justice Chisholm told the High Court in Christchurch he had granted leave for Ms Abdille's second lawyer to also step down.
Radio New Zealand understands Ms Abdille's second lawyer quit because his client refused to work with him, and today Justice Chisholm told Ms Abdille the court cannot afford to have any more such changes.
He warned her that if she loses her third lawyer, the proceedings will go ahead regardless.
