Differing claims between the 2019 mosque terrorist and his former lawyer, on why he pleaded guilty

Brenton Tarrant admitted in 2020 to murdering 51 worshippers in Christchurch, attempting to kill many others, and terrorism.

He's turned to the Court of Appeal in Wellington to try to vacate his pleas.

The terrorist claims prison conditions led him to 'irrationally' change his mind and admit his crimes, around the Covid-19 lockdown.

But former counsel Shane Tait has told the court Tarrant wanted to enter his pleas at a time that suited his agenda.