Extinction Rebellion Ōtautahi activist Dylan Parker and Extinction Rebellion Ōtautahi spokeswoman Sara Campbell speak outside the Christchurch District Court about Parker's arrest.

Extinction Rebellion protester Dylan Parker will go to trial after being arrested after the New Zealand Gas Conference in Christchurch three weeks ago.

A group of 20 to 30 from the climate change action group tried to hang a banner saying "gas is not a transition fuel" from a balcony of the Rydges Hotel, where the event was being held.

Parker, 28, was the first member of Extinction Rebellion to be charged for protest activities in New Zealand.

JONATHAN GUILDFORD/STUFF Extinction Rebellion Ōtautahi activist Dylan Parker appeared at the Christchurch District Court on November 5.

Police allege he was found without reasonable excuse at the hotel in Latimer Square.

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Parker was originally remanded until Tuesday to consider a possible grant of diversion under the scheme that allows first offenders on less serious charges to avoid a conviction.

ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF Extinction Rebellion activists protest against a gas conference at Latimer Square, in Christchurch.

For diversion to be granted, offenders need to accept responsibility and usually make amends with an apology and some contribution to the community or the victims.

In this case, Parker has taken legal advice during the remand from counsel Andrew McKenzie and the diversion option has been set aside.

Instead, he has pleaded not guilty to the charge and the case has been remanded for a case review hearing on January 27.

In this case, the charge is at a low level and a date will be set for a hearing before a judge-alone.