KEY POINTS:
People caught up in the police raids in the Ruatoki area plan to complain to the Human Rights Commission and the Police Complaints Authority.
Friends and family of those arrested, along with those stopped and searched by police at road blocks, met last night in Ruatoki.
Tuhoe spokesman
Tamati Kruger said the families of those arrested are struggling.
"They have children and partners facing dire complications. They're facing eviction because they have no ability to pay the rent. They're struggling to pay for electricity and put food on the table," Mr Kruger said.
He said there was poor communication between the police, the courts and families of those arrested.
Mr Kruger said the group is looking at taking its case to the Human Rights Commission or even bringing a civil case.
He also said the meeting discussed filing complaints with the Police Complaints Authority.
"For 150 years we've seen this stuff," Mr Kruger said, referring to the police raid of Rua Kenana's settlement Maungapohatu in 1916.
"It's a bit like Lotto. We don't hold out too much hope."
People at the meeting said that they were not given any options when they were stopped and photographed by police, Mr Kruger said.
"In essence these people were photographed in order to assist police to bring about the convictions of their relatives."
Meanwhile, Maori activist Tame Iti was further remanded in custody until tomorrow afternoon when he made a brief appearance in Rotorua District Court this morning.
Iti, who faces 11 firearms charges in connection with police anti-terrorism raids at Ruatoki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty on October 15, smiled and waved from the dock at supporters in the packed public gallery.
Calls of "morena" (good morning), and later "ka kite" (see you) were exchanged.
As the Maori sovereignty campaigner was led away, one supporter said loudly "kia kaha" (stay strong).
Lawyer Miharo Armstrong appeared on instructions from Annette Sykes at the callover before Judge James Weir.
Prosecutor Taryn Bayley said an application for transfer of proceedings to Auckland would be argued tomorrow.
Iti's lawyers are still waiting for a date and venue to be set for a bail application to be heard in the High Court.
Iti was refused bail by Judge James Rota in Rotorua District Court. His reasons behind the ruling have still not been made public.
Iti was one of 17 people arrested in relation to raids over alleged weapons training camps in the Bay of Plenty.
They include Iti's nephew Rawiri Iti, whose case was transferred to Auckland District Courtlast week.
Police prosecutor David Johnstone told NZPA in Auckland today it was intended for all those charged around the country to have their cases heard in Auckland.
- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF
