Five protesters from the South Island were found guilty of trespass after blocking access to a coal mine site. The court ruled that the mining company did not have the legal authority to prevent the group from occupying public reserve land. Four other individuals involved in the protest were cleared of all charges. The case highlights ongoing tensions between environmental activists and mining operations in the region. The protesters had claimed the land was a public reserve, while the company argued it was private property. The verdict has sparked debate over land ownership and the rights of activists to protest on public land. Local authorities are now reviewing the legal implications of the ruling.