Great Barrier iwi occupy DoC station in protest against big marine reserve

Chris Carter

Iwi protesting against a marine reserve on Great Barrier Island have occupied Department of Conservation land and are refusing to budge until their voices are heard.

Several carloads of Ngati Rehua whanau have gathered in Okiwi, at the northern end of the island, to occupy the local DoC station.

"The marine reserve is a tool that is locking out the communities," said protest spokeswoman Lynette Hoey.

"We support marine protection, but the reserve will oppress our rights to the land and the seas."

She said a few protesters continued the occupation, which started on Monday, but hundreds of community members had visited in support. They would remain there until the Government responded to their concerns, she said.

Conservation Minister Chris Carter approved a 49,500ha marine reserve for the island last week. It dwarfs others close to the mainland and is the first to stretch to the 12-mile limit, something fishers consider a dangerous precedent. A spokesman for Mr Carter said the minister had not received any communication from the protesters. "The Department of Conservation has had dozens of meetings with iwi, recreational fishers and local residents and the plans of the reserve have changed as a result," he said.

Ms Hoey said the consultation efforts were a "load of rubbish".

"I am a resident and a ratepayer in Okiwi. On their list of consultation, I didn't get any notification."

The proposal still needs the approval of the Fisheries and Transport Ministries.

DoC area manager Dale Tawa said the protesters were not being disruptive. "They're not interfering with DoC operations and have agreed that certain areas are out of bounds. We're happy for them to remain there for the moment."