Tauranga Harbour protest finishes, flash haka performed

On shore support for the protesters blocking the Tauranga Harbour shipping lane. Photo/Zoe Hunter

The Tauranga Harbour protest is over.

More than 20 boats blocked the shipping lane at the entrance of Tauranga Harbour in protest against accepting any Crown deal giving rights to Tauranga Moana to a Hauraki collective of iwi and hapu.

All the boats had now returned to shore.

A flotilla of boats bock the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. Photo/Zoe Hunter

It was the second protest this week after members of Tauranga-based iwi Ngai Te Rangi manned a flotilla of small boats blocking the shipping lane of the Port of Tauranga on Thursday.

Ngai Te Rangi chairman Charlie Tawhiao alleges a secret deal had been struck between Hauraki tribes and the Crown that could hand over areas traditionally controlled by Tauranga iwi to outside interests.

A waka, four canoes and about 20 other boats have taken up their position in the harbour entrance.

Protesters preparing to block the Tauranga Harbour entrance. Photo/Andrew Warner

At noon, at least 200 supporters performed a "flash haka" on the side of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) in support of the protesters on the water.

Ngai Te Rangi chief executive Paora Stanley said he had a conservation with a representative from the port who said they were not going to send any more ships through.

"It was a really good move on behalf of the port to consider everyone's safety."

Mr Stanley said today was a good display of mana.

"Today was a humbling experience to watch our people express themselves in a way that asserts mana."

He said all boats and the waka will be tied in Sulphur Point and will be under 24 hour surveillance.

Protesters preparing to block the Tauranga Harbour entrance. Photo/Andrew Warner

Charlie Rahiri, of Ngati Ranginui, said he was there to support Nga te Rangi.

"We are sending a signal to the Crown that they cannot keep doing these secret deals."

He said there were hapu from Katikati, Te Puna, Wairoa, Matakana and Matapihi on the side of Mauao to perform the haka.

"We are standing together. We have our internal battles but we will defend our Moana together."

Stanley earlier said other waka and power boats would be joining the protest throughout the morning with the last boat leaving about 1pm.

He said the focus had always been safety.

Supporters of the Tauranga Harbour protest gather to perform a haka. Photo/Andrew Warner

"We advised the port at 7pm last night to say this blockade was going to happen. So they have the choice whether or not to authorise boats to come through.

"The complaint last night was they did not have enough notice, now they have notice."

He said the plan was to stop them coming in and out of the port and boats would be positioned at A buoy and at the cardinal markers.

"They are safe positions to be in."

He said once boats had moved past the A buoy, it was very difficult for them to manoeuvre.

He said all protesters had to have a seaworthy boat, have some sort of communications on board and be registered.

He said they were trying to be as peaceful as possible. "We are just looking forward to a clear message being sent to the Crown."

Two ships are expected to arrive in to the Port of Tauranga today. Three ships made it in early this morning unhindered.

Protesters plan to be there all day starting with a powhiri at 10am. The boats would be sent out at 11am.

Port of Tauranga chief Mark Cairns said he respected the iwi's right to a peaceful protest provided they are not in the way of shipping lanes.

"But if they are going to be in front of any vessels that would require legal action."