The man who allegedly used yellow paint to obscure the use of te reo on rubbish bins in Tauranga will keep his identity hidden for now.
The 83-year-old appeared in court today and was bailed to his home address. He entered no plea to the charge.
Court documents state the man "intentionally" and without "claim" destroyed 16 Tauranga City Council rubbish bins.
It's alleged the yellow paint was plastered across the bins in early October with the intention to "cause loss" to the council.
In court his lawyers argued naming the accused could affect his employment, and contribute to community backlash.
However, court documents show no company or business listed under the occupation field.
Outside of court he covered his face and wouldn't speak to media.
He will reappear in court later this month.
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