Andrew Tait, 48, was charged with intentional damage after he spray-painted "Free Palestine" on a University of Otago building in Hanover St on February 16.
The charge comes with a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment or a $2000 fine.
Following his appearance before a court registrar yesterday, Tait was contacted by the Otago Daily Times and he said he did it purely for the publicity.
"It was to raise awareness of what is happening in Palestine.
"The charge is not insignificant — it’s got a three-month maximum jail term."
He would now meet police to determine the possibility of getting diversion if he paid for the costs of repairing the damage.
If it was not possible, he would have to reappear in court at a later date, he said.
A small group of Pro-Palestine demonstrators stood in silence with flags and placards outside the Dunedin District Court yesterday in support of Tait.
Group member Sam Bosshard said he did not agree with Tait’s decision to spray graffiti on private property, but he did support the message he was trying to present.
He said the movement was trying to increase "visibility" for Palestine at a time when it needed to be a bigger part of discussions around the country.
"I think in terms of what the charges are, it’s relatively minor in relation to the issue of how New Zealand stands on the international stage with regards to Palestine.
"While I don’t necessarily support damage to private property, anything that can make New Zealanders aware of this terrible genocide that’s going on is good.
"At the moment, New Zealand stands on the international stage on the wrong side of the conflict."
