Dunedin people march in support of Ihumatao 'protectors'

Protesters congregate at the intersection of Albany and Cumberland Sts in Dunedin at the end of...
Protesters congregate at the intersection of Albany and Cumberland Sts in Dunedin at the end of their march against the development of the Ihumatao site in South Auckland. PHOTO: CRAIG BAXTER
Armed with placards, Maori songs and chants, protesters marched from the Otago Museum Reserve to the Octagon before blocking the city's northbound one-way street yesterday as they returned, showing their support for the Ihumatao "protectors" in Auckland.

Between 200 and 300 people, including many university and polytechnic students, attended the Dunedin event, which began with speeches and songs at the museum about 11am.

Ihumatao, near Auckland Airport, believed to be one of the first places where Maori in Tamaki Makaurau settled, farmed and thrived, has been designated to make way for 480 new homes.

An eviction notice was handed to protectors on July 23 after their three-year occupation of the site.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has vowed that no building will take place at Ihumatao while the Government and other parties try to broker a solution.

Speaking at Auckland Airport last evening, the Prime Minister said the Government wanted to find a peaceful solution.

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The Dunedin event was organised by Te Roopu Maori, Environmental Justice and the Green Party, and protesters were met on George St by police, who escorted them and directed traffic as they walked to the Octagon singing and chanting "toitu te whenua ake ake ake".

Protester and artist Darryl Williams described what was happening with the land as "an insult", particularly considering the land was going to be used for a Fletcher housing development, when homelessness was such a problem.

No arrests were made, and Inspector Wil Black said police were pleased with the protesters' behaviour.

On their way to the Octagon, protesters performed a haka outside David Clark's office, but the MP did not emerge.

Numbers dwindled slightly as they marched to the Octagon and wound their way down Stuart St and along Cumberland St.

They sat in the middle of State Highway 1 for about 10 minutes before moving to the museum reserve.

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