Police arrest seven people near Ihumātao in Auckland as occupation enters third night

Seven people have been arrested after trying block a main road leading to Auckland Airport as the land struggle at Ihumātao enters its third night.

About 300 protesters remained at the scene in protest of a housing development being built near the sacred Ōtuataua Stonefields Reserve, in Māngere.

This evening Kiwi singer Stan Walker treated those gathered for the third night to a live performance.

Police Superintendent Jill Rogers said they had been pleased with behaviour at the site today before making several arrests this evening.

Shortly before 6pm a person had chained themselves to a van on George Bolt Memorial Dr (SH 20A), with several more linking arms to block all northbound lanes.

Protest numbers are growing at Ihumātao near Auckland Airport. Photo / Dean Purcell

Police arrived at the scene quickly near the contested development site in Māngere, Auckland, and cleared them from the road.

Three men and four women, aged between 20 and 26 years old, were in custody for a time before receiving pre-charge warnings for disorderly behaviour.

"The reckless behaviour displayed by these individuals put their own safety in extreme danger," Rogers said.

"The road is a very busy highway and their actions also created a serious risk to other motorists, as well as police.

Hundreds gather throughout Thursday in protest against a housing development at Ihumātao. Photo / Dean Purcell

"Police will not tolerate any protest action that jeopardises people's safety, especially innocent members of the public who should be able to go about their daily business."

Organise Aotearoa spokesperson Emily Weiss said those arrested were activists with their socialist group, and were blocking the road in support of the kaitiaki of Ihumātao.

"Our members remained peaceful in exercising their right to political expression.

"They acted with aroha in their hearts and an absolute commitment to the kaupapa of the occupation here at Ihumātao.

"We hope to see them released without charge and free to return to Kaitiaki Village [at Ihumātao]."

Police remained a heavy presence throughout the day. Photo / Dean Purcell

Police would remain at Ihumātao overnight.

Hundreds of people have been occupying the historic site of Ihumātao since Tuesday morning, when a group opposing a Fletcher building development were served an eviction notice.

Police in formation at the edge of the group protesting a development near Auckland Airport. Photo / Dean Purcell

Buses were expected to arrive through the day from up north, Wellington and Opotiki.

Crowds who were gathered again this evening were treated to a live performance by Stan Walker, which included his hit Aotearoa and a te reo version of the Crowded House anthem Don't Dream It's Over.

A team of three observers from Amnesty International had arrived in the morning, including executive director Meg de Ronde.

After an eviction notice was served to a group occupying the land on Tuesday hundreds have turned out in support. Photo / Dean Purcell

De Ronde said they were there to independently observe the protest and make sure people's rights were protected.

They had hear reports of one incident surrounding an arrest this morning, but were still making inquiries as to what occurred.

"Our job is to verify as much as possible. This morning we interviewed a few people, and will talk to police and review video footage before making any comments."