Maori occupying drilling site in 'holding pattern'

Maori occupying a proposed drilling site in North Taranaki they regard as sacred are in a "holding pattern," a group spokesman says.

About 25 protesters from Otaraua hapu have spent three nights blocking the well entrance at the Tikorangi pa site near Waitara, in an attempt to stop a new pipe line by Greymouth Petroleum.

Hapu member David Doorbar said through a spokeswoman today Greymouth Petroleum had no interest in talking until protesters left the site.

"We're in a holding pattern...we will be continuing our occupation, we won't be leaving the site until they can offer us some better communication," he said.

"They have suggested just meeting one of our representatives but because this affects the whole of the hapu we feel that is a divisive approach."

Mr Doorbar said the occupation was likely to be longer than hapu anticipated.

"The ball's pretty much in their (Greymouth Petroleum's) court."

The group was collecting information to support a legal case, he said.

"We're quite clear that we want that site recognised as a waahi tapu and that's what we're attempting to pursue legally."

The company did not return calls.

- NZPA