The Tuhoe people were fighting to retain their history, permanency and self-governance through education, which included training to survive in the indigenous-bush that covered much of the land they lived on.
"You can't rely on modern education... It is not necessary to conduct these teachings for in a classroom with a blackboard.''
Many of the iwi still spoke unbroken Te Reo Maori, lived from gardens and hunted for their own kai, or food.
He said it was as important to teach Tuhoe people how to live in the bush, as it was to "teach road safety in Henderson to children.''
While it was widely known a number of training exercises were being carried out, some people didn't agree with them, he said.
The exercises included navigating the forest without a torch, building camps and shelter.
He said it was not surprising to see people walking about the Ruatoki area with guns.
"It would not surprise me that half, if not more than half, of those Tuhoe people [who] owned firearms do not have licences.''
While many members of the iwi still felt feelings of "hatred'' towards the Crown, the iwi had been working towards a peaceful Treaty resolution since 2005, he said.
Iti had been instrumental in the negotiation process over a claim of confiscated land in Te Urewera, he said.
When asked if cameras put into the Ruatoki area would accurately show what the iwi really stood for, he replied no.
While under cross-examination by Crown prosecutors, he said the Tuhoe people did not have any ulterior or back-up plans to their peaceful resolution process.
"The main thing is to win justice no matter how long it takes.''
The trial continues.
THE CASE SO FAR
* 88 witnesses for the Crown were to be called, however after arrangements with the defence only about half appeared
* Four witnesses are to be called for Tame Iti, three of who have given evidence
* The trial was set down for three months but Justice Hansen has told the jurors it could finish as early as late next week.
