Protest phone line monitors beach access

Radio Pacific has set up a phoneline to collect reports of any Maori protest action that restricts access to beaches.

The Government's foreshore policy has aroused anger among iwi over the proposal to prevent Maori gaining ownership of the foreshore and seabed, but recognising some customary rights.

Station programme director Chris Gregory said the phoneline opened on Christmas Eve and would run until January 26. They had received many calls asking about the service, but no reports of protest activity.

Mr Gregory said the phoneline was established to reflect the number of calls Radio Pacific had received over the foreshore issue, which he described as reaching "epidemic proportions".

The phoneline can be reached on 0800 473-274.

Rotorua lawyer and activist Annette Sykes predicted that the radio station would be disappointed.

She was unaware of any iwi planning to restrict access to beaches. "I think they'll get more calls about the troublemakers at Whangamata Beach and Mt Maunganui over New Year's than they will about any protests."