Taranaki hapu protest at drill site

Taranaki Maori have occupied a well site to try to stop drilling on what they say is a sacred pa.

About 50 protesters from Otaraua hapu yesterday blocked the well site entrance at Tikorangi, a farming area near Waitara in north Taranaki, in an attempt to stop drilling preparations by Greymouth Petroleum.

The hapu was upset at the lack of consultation and members planned to apply to the Environment Court for an injunction, the Taranaki Daily News reported.

The group was notified of the company's intentions on Thursday and representatives met hapu on site over the weekend.

Otaraua hapu spokesman David Doorbar said the drill site was sacred and had great significance and cultural relevance.

"Greymouth Petroleum has only recently advised us of their intent, and has not given any consideration to our concerns," he said.

"They do not understand the significance of this site which we had mistakenly believed would not be touched."

- NZPA