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Waitangi protests end peacefully

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Mon, 06 Feb 2012 2:26p.m. UPDATED 4:37pm

A hongi was performed between the remaining protesters, Maori wardens and police

A hongi was performed between the remaining protesters, Maori wardens and police

Protests at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland town of Paihia have come to a peaceful end, with the protesters shaking hands with police.

About 200 protesters and 20 Maori wardens were in a tense stand-off under the flag pole at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds earlier today.

Protesters had been stopped by police after attempting to fly the Maori flag on the flagpole, though about 15 were eventually allowed past to touch the flagpole and sing.

Words, in Te Reo Maori, were thrown back and forth in a heated discussion, but the afternoon’s demonstration was generally peaceful compared to the atmosphere yesterday.

More angry demonstrations mar Waitangi events 

A protester’s speech helped ease earlier tensions, and a hongi was performed between the remaining protesters, Maori wardens and police.

The group was led by prominent protester Witana Popata, who yesterday verbally abused MPs at Waitangi.

Mr Popata was among those who rushed toward Prime Minister John Key as he was welcomed onto Te Tii Marae on Sunday.

He could also be heard yelling abuse at Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples during proceedings later that day.

Families, including small children, are among the protest group this afternoon.

Many are holding banners saying "Stop Deep Sea Drilling".

Police were alongside the protesters.

3 News/NZN

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Comments

07 Feb 2012 11:11a.m.

cherie wrote:

Why on earth reps from the govt attend this brawl each year escapes me. Just stay away from it and that includes media. OMG I actually agree with something Winston said.!!

07 Feb 2012 02:46a.m.

Trudy wrote:

Firstly I'm Maori, secondly I'm from Waitangi so I feel justified when I say that I can't stand all you protesting racicals who once a year come to my hometown and completely disrespect the locals, the marae, the town and our invited guests with your rude, arrogant self involved rants. Waitangi Day should be a sacred day in our country and you are completely missing the whole point, there are many avenues/opportunities for you to have your say on political issues, Waitangi Day is supposed to commerate the blending of two cultures in peace & harmony - so start blending or stay home - one country, one flag, one government!!!!!

06 Feb 2012 04:58p.m.

cindy wrote:

I agree Kelvin. And I respect your bravery in commenting. Lets find another National Day. and fyrther more lets all, politicians included boycott Waitangi Day. If no one listens to these 'activists' then perhaps they will just settle down and look at some real issues, like child abuse.

06 Feb 2012 04:54p.m.

Ti wrote:

Kelvyn, if you understood the reasons behind these protests, perhaps you would not judge them so harshly. As someone who has studied Maori relations with the Crown, I find these protests, not only expected, but necessary. There are many rights to be wronged between Maori and the Crown, and given the new issues arising under the National government, Maori have even more of a reason to feel disgruntled with the way they have and are being treated by the Crown.

06 Feb 2012 03:54p.m.

kelvyn wrote:

The name Waitangi as New Zealands national day has become contaminated by the offensive behaviour of these protesters. Neither is a National day the appropriate forum for this sort of behaviour. And finally someone needs to recognise some of these so called protesters have a screw loose. Allowing them this very public platform to behave in this way is inviting disaster. It is only a matter of time before something of a more serious nature occurs. They have already done a huge amount of damage to race relations. They need to be shut down decisively and thoroughly and sent away to find a new venue for their protests.