The man accused of smashing a window at Winston Peters’ house will go on trial just before the election campaign begins.
By Laura Tupou
Police were called to the Foreign Affairs Minister’s Auckland home in St Mary’s Bay at about 5.40pm on October 6, 2025.
The man was arrested later that evening after handing himself in, police said.
The 29-year-old was charged with burglary and has pleaded not guilty.
He appeared at the Auckland District Court today and sought continued name suppression through his lawyer, Jonathan Hudson. He cited extreme hardship after several threats had been made towards him online.
Police did not oppose continued name suppression. 1News argued the principles of open justice and public interest should prevail.
The judge declined continued name suppression, but Hudson indicated he would appeal the decision and has 21 days to do so.
Meanwhile, a trial date has been set for the initial charge and will begin on September 28. It’s expected to last three days, ending on 30 September – the day before the parliamentary term ends ahead of the November 7 general election.
Peters previously condemned the attack as “truly gutless” and said he wasn’t home at the time, but his partner and a guest were.
There had earlier been protests outside the NZ First leader’s house after the interception by Israeli forces of a flotilla of activists heading to Gaza carrying symbolic aid.
Hudson had previously told Stuff his client had not been part of the protest activity.
It’s understood he had not yet provided a formal statement for the court proceedings.
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