Peaceful protest to keep seabed dialogue open

9.30am

There are hopes peaceful protest will encourage the government to keep talking about the seabed issue.

Around 1,000 people joined hands along Ninety Mile Beach in Northland yesterday to support Maori customary title.

Te Ope Mana a Tai spokesman John Mitchell wants more of the same around the country.

He says it promotes dialogue, which is the sensible way to approach the issue.

But Mr Mitchell says it's difficult to be optimistic that the government will actually take notice.

He says so far, it hasn't been open to any other form of action or support.

John Mitchell says peaceful action is far more constructive than the angry scenes at Waitangi.

He says the number and diversity of those who took part shows that it is not just disaffected Maori.

He says the debate has been marred by irresponsible leadership claiming Maori wanted sole use and right to the beaches.

- Newstalk ZB