Several hundred people converged on Ahipara's Korou Kore Marae on Friday to discuss government proposals for oil exploration and mining in the Northland region, but those who were there to argue the case for exploration were given short shrift.
Presentations were to be made by NZ Petroleum and Minerals representatives,led by manager and iwi liaison Pieri Munro, while the Environmental Protection Authority was to detail its response strategy to an environmental disaster, but they were interrupted by numerous hapu members, who felt that their consultation process was unfair.
Many were also of the view that the visitors were not there to consult, but to follow their consultation process, then return to Wellington and continue developing their plans for mining in Northland, regardless of what the hui decided.
Te Tai Tokerau MP and Mana Party leader Hone Harawira was asked to escort the government officials from the hui so the whanau and hapu could have a discussion amongst themselves, to sort out what the collective response would be.
After two hours of discussion amongst representatives of hapu from Te Hiku, Muriwhenua, Hokianga, Whangaroa and Waitangi, many having driven from as far as Auckland to listen and participate, the hui unanimously agreed to oppose any oil exploration or toxic mining developments that could in any way threaten to destroy the natural environment.
Mr Harawira then challenged the government officials to take note of the many leaders of hapu and iwi present at "a hui of this size", but warned the gathering, which included many Pakeha, that the force of the police, Navy and Army would be brought against them if they tried to protest.
Te Whakaminenga o Nga Hapu elder Nuki Alridge (Whangaroa) left the hui heartened by the discussions and unity, saying he was optimistic that further actions would come from the discussion and the resolution.
A replica 19th century fishing schooner, Ratbag, will leave Opua today to join a flotilla of seven boats that will confront the first exploration ship to arrive from the Texas oil company, Anadarko Petroleum Corp, 50 kilometres offshore from Raglan.
