The Crown Law Office is reinvestigating a Northland land dispute which looked as though it was resolved more than a decade ago.
In 1995 farmer Alan Titford was persuaded to accept $3.25 million in compensation for his farm, which was bought from him and handed back to Maori.
But now he has returned to the land at Maunganui Bluff to protest.
For the first time in 22 years, Alan Titford and his family can return to their farm without the threat of arrest. After a two-hour meeting this morning, police allowed the Titfords to return to their Aranga Coast farm.
It was here 22 years ago where tensions boiled over, and some of the wounds are still raw.
It began when the Waitangi Tribunal recommended burial sites on the farm be returned to local Maori Te Roroa.
The claim sparked violent and bitter conflict, and the Titford's house burned down in mysterious circumstances.
In 1995, the Titfords signed over the farm and moved to Australia.
A spokesman for Mr Titford says the agreement for the sale of the land was tampered with, and will be checked by the Crown Law Office.
Today Mr Titford is a happier man. He says it is the first time his story has been believed.
3 News