Homeopathic couple challenge court's jurisdiction

A middle-aged couple who profess to have homeopathic cures for diseases including herpes, bird flu and smallpox are challenging a court's jurisdiction to hear a case against them.

Ingrid and John Godwin, who run Healing World in Tauranga, face more than 40 charges brought by the Commerce Commission which alleges they have made misleading claims about their goods and services.

The pair, who have advertised an anti-terrorist kit to combat a wide range of threats such as anthrax, cyanide, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and cholera, also stand accused of misrepresenting their homoeopathic and nursing qualifications.

Speaking for the Godwins in Tauranga District Court today were representatives of the Nga Uri Whakatipurunga o Ngarae Maori incorporation, who said they had adopted the couple as whanau.

In a drawn out status hearing before Judge Louis Bidois, they questioned his authority to hear the case, insisting it should either be moved to their marae or dismissed.

"We do not want to be heard in this forum," said native assessor Quinton Koromete, a trustee and shareholder of the incorporation, who cited the Maori Land Court Act.

Judge Bidois patiently explained that had no application to, or jurisdiction over, him.

"My authority is as a district court judge. The charges have been laid in this court and that is where they will be determined."

Accusing him of treason, Mr Koromete said he could report the judge to the Governor General to have him "removed for misbehaviour".

Judge: "I invite you to do so."

Eventually a man seated in the public gallery leaned over and urged Mr Koromete to accept the status hearing.

"You are just going round and round. Humility, brother. Give the power back to the judge."

There were some murmurs of assent from the back of the court.

Judge Bidois then remanded the Godwins until July 23. If they wanted to challenge the court's jurisdiction or the hearing venue, then a fixture would be allocated to argue the matters, he said.

If the couple wished to go to a defended hearing they needed a lawyer or could defend themselves, perhaps with the assistance of a McKenzie friend (someone who does not have to be legally qualified).