The Maori activist who stowed away on an unauthorised voyage to Antarctica has declared himself a "political refugee'' in protest against the New Zealand Government.
Busby Noble made headlines earlier this year after it was revealed he was on board the 16m yacht Nilaya, which set sail from Auckland on an illegal expedition led by controversial Norwegian explorer Jarle Andhoey.
In a post on the expedition's Facebook page, the Mana Party activist yesterday said he was disgusted New Zealand was being sold off.
"I Busby Noble hereby declare from this day that I am a political refugee overseas to protest against my countries (sic) current government,'' he wrote.
"My country is not for sale. I refuse to acknowledge its tender. In respect of and to my ancestors, my people and my lands I hereby declare my disgust and abhorrence to the fact that the visitors to my country have chosen to sell my homeland from beneath me.''