Blockade at camping site ended

A group of Far North Maori landowners has ended the blockade of a road leading to a Department of Conservation camping ground - for now.

Whanau Moana hapu member Alan Hetaraka said yesterday that family members and supporters stopped the road blockade leading to Matai Bay following discussions with DoC on Monday.

The group began a protest on the site at the weekend, blocking a one-lane bridge leading to the campground on the Karikari Peninsula, northeast of Kaitaia. However the group has relocated to a family reserve at the campsite while discussions with DoC continue.

Mr Hetaraka said the department had given an assurance that concerns, including the removal of public toilets from a sacred site and the protection of sand dunes, would be addressed.

"The gates will remain in place and in a safe mode as a reminder to ensure our message is heard."

He said there would be no further disruption for holidaymakers and travellers provided mediation continued.

DoC conservator Chris Jenkins said ongoing meetings would be held with the group to ensure further protests did not happen.