Joe Davis (right), Ngati Hei spokesman, finishes putting up a tino rangatiratanga flag at Whenuakite Station. Photo / Paul Estcourt
Iwi leaders have vowed to continue the occupation of two Landcorp farms despite a Government move to put the sale of the properties on hold.
Hauraki spokesman John McEnteer said the tribe would continue the "repossession" of Whenuakite Station indefinitely.
The tribe want the property, worth more than
$10 million, returned as part of an outstanding Treaty claim.
The stance was shared by Far North iwi Ngati Kahu who have also won a reprieve in the planned sale of the Rangiputa block.
Ngati Kahu occupied the 9.2ha coastal beachfront last week.
Chairwoman Professor Margaret Mutu said although the Government review provided the tribe "with some room" it was not enough to call off the occupation.
"We've made it clear ... we don't trust the Crown and we'll stay on the [Rangiputa] block until the Crown tells us it will be returned," she said.
Professor Mutu was among a delegation from the tribe to join the Hauraki occupation yesterday.
Hauraki intends to continue with an injunction against the proposed sale.
The review of the sale is expected to take a month, allowing time for the Waitangi Tribunal to hold a judicial conference into the tribe's claim.
The conference is set for March 23.
Meanwhile, the Maori Party has called the Government's decision a small victory in a wider battle for Maori land rights.
MP Hone Harawira said it demonstrated the Government's desire to take the heat out of the issue, with Maori united in opposition to the proposed sale.
"The Tainui waka alliance is not noted for being particularly radical in its stance, yet they were here in a blink.
"That they joined the action shows the Government that they don't have many Maori friends on this issue."
Maori Party Treaty spokesman Te Ururoa Flavell said: "Maori are left with little recourse but to take direct action - if repossession of lands is what it takes for the Crown to recognise their rangatiratanga, then so be it."
Prime Minister Helen Clark said the comments were not helpful.
