Seabed hui cancelled over safety concerns

2.45pm

Government ministers were sent packing from Whangarei's Terenga Paraoa Marae today as its foreshore and seabed hui was cancelled.

The Minister of Maori Affairs, Parekura Horomia, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen and Te Tai Tokerau MP Dover Samuels were to visit the marae for the sixth foreshore and seabed hui.

However, kaumatua at the marae decided to call the meeting off due to fears for the MPs' safety.

Although only a small group of protesters was present today, discussions as to whether the meeting should go ahead had been heated.

Kaumatua had met last night to decide whether the hui would go ahead. Heated debate between factions continued this morning and the hui was finally called off at about 11am.

It had been suggested that the MPs should enter the marae through the side door. This was was seen as an insult by the MPs.

Mr Samuels said between 300 and 400 people had gathered to attend the meeting.

He said protesters had trampled over customary protocols.

"The respect of the marae trustees has been demeaned," he said.

Mr Cullen said local kaumatua were saddened by the turn of events and the Government would continue to consult with the people of the North.

"The people of the North are too important to be silenced by a small minority."

Marae chairman Tom Parore said having to cancel the hui because of safety fears was a sad day for Ngapuhi.

"There was an opportunity today for all the different hapu to make their point known...that opportunity is lost," Mr Parore said.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)