Wellington, March 9 NZPA - The trial of three peace activists charged with breaking into a Marlborough spy base last April was further delayed today, after a power cut affecting Wellington's central business district halted proceedings in the Wellington District Court.

The trial of Adrian Leason, Peter Murnane and Sam Land was delayed earlier today as Judge Stephen Harrop and counsel for both sides spent the morning discussing matters in chambers.

When the jury was allowed back into the court and the trial resumed this afternoon, Leason, prompted by questions from defence lawyer, Anthony Knowles, began presenting his evidence, starting with extensive biographic detail about his path to activism.

Leason, an Otaki subsistence farmer, part-time teacher and father to seven children, was discussing what he believed to be the role played by the Waihopai Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) base in spying on United Nations member nations in the lead up to the Iraq war when the power cut took place.

Yesterday, the prosecution outlined its case, calling evidence from police and base security staff about the alleged attack on the cover of a satellite dish at the base and the cutting of fences leading into the base.

The three men, who admitted committing the actions but entered not guilty pleas, were found gathered around a shrine they erected in the base, praying and singing hymns.

The trial is continuing.