Protest delays arrival of salt vessel

Protestors blocking entrance to the Tauranga Harbour this morning delayed a salt vessel by two-to-three hours.

Members of Tauranga-based iwi Ngai Te Rangi were on board a flotilla of small boats blocking the shipping lane of the Port of Tauranga from about 10am.

The protest against accepting any Crown deal giving rights to Tauranga Moana to a Hauraki collective of iwi and hapu began 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 harbour areas traditionally controlled by Tauranga iwi to outside interests.

Today a waka, four canoes and about 20 other boats took position in the harbour entrance which delayed the arrival of a salt vessel.

Port of Tauranga chief Mark Cairns said the port managed to get three ships through the entrance in the early hours of this morning before the protest began.

But Mr Cairns said it was disappointing the protest delayed a salt vessel.

"It is a two-to-three hour delay which is more of an inconvenience," he said. "If it is delayed longer than that it will be an issue."

He urged the iwi leave the port out of any issues and instead engage with the Crown or Hauraki.

"They have communicated they do not have any beef with the port. I just find it very frustrating."

Mr Cairns reiterated he respected the iwi's right to a peaceful protest but said it was frustrating.

"I am really annoyed," he said. "We have what i considered to be a strong relationship with Ngai Te Rangi...it is really not safe what they are doing."

Bureta resident Arthur LeComte was there to support the protest.

"The kaupapa is all about the government. This is why everyone has come down."

He said the protest was not aimed at the government or the port.

"But this is how the people get recognised and that is what it is about."

Mr LeComte believed it was the right thing to do.

"Safety is not compromised. Everyone is going to follow health and safety guidelines."

At noon, about 200 supporters performed a flash haka on the side of Mauao (Mount Maunganui) to coincide with the water protest.

Lead co-ordinator on Mauao Meremaiha Aloua said everyone was there to stamp their ground in terms of their moana and claim back what was theirs.

"We are here to support our boats on the water."

She said the message was directed at the Crown and Hauraki.

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."

Ngai Te Rangi chief executive Paora Stanley said all boats had returned to shore.

He said today was the ability for the iwi to show how serious they were.

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

Calls to the Hauraki Collective have gone unanswered.