Bail has been declined for a Dunedin Restore Passenger Rail protester who allegedly cemented her hand to the road in Wellington today.
Rosemary Penwarden, a 64-year-old retired scientist, appeared in the Wellington District Court today via audio-visual link from Wellington Hospital where she could be seen with her hand in a bucket.
Penwarden, along with two others, was arrested this morning after blocking traffic on State Highway 1 during peak-hour traffic in the capital.
Judge Peter Hobbs declined bail and remanded her in custody to face a further charge of endangering transport, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
She is already facing charges from previous protest involvement and will return to court on September 11.
Two others appeared in court but were released on bail.
Police earlier confirmed Penwarden was in hospital receiving medical attention for the substance she used to allegedly “adhere” herself to the road.
Police would not confirm if the substance was concrete, but another protester alleged it was.
A firefighter was seen carrying a hammer toward the Dunedin woman to free her.
The road was cleared by police after the protesters blocked it just after 7.45am.
The protesters blocked northbound traffic at the intersection with Wellington Rd in Kilbirnie.
Jonty Coulson, a spokesperson for the protesters, said the group is back because the government "is still not taking the climate crisis seriously".
"Both major parties are vying for who can spend more on new four lane highways. This is an act of destruction against my generation, and all those who will come after me."
The group has been quiet for several months, with the last protest in May. There were plans for a protest yesterday but these were called off by the group due to "safety concerns".
Several protesters have been arrested since the group began their displays last year. Many face multiple charges that breach bail conditions not engage in further protests.
The group have made demands to the Government for the restoration of passenger rail services and to make public transport free.
Transport Minister Michael Wood met with the group in December last year but has since ruled out meeting again after they threw paint across several Labour MPs’ offices.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has also ruled out working with the group due to continued protests.
In June this year, Penwarden was found guilty of forgery at the Dunedin District Court after writing a phoney email for a 2019 petroleum-industry conference, informing delegates the Queenstown event had been postponed.
Penwarden was granted bail and will be sentenced in September.
- additional reporting ODT Online
