Maori activists on warpath

Sunday News, June 28

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EXCLUSIVE: MP Hone Harawira's uncle will lead Maori elders on a month-long civil disobedience campaign, targeting courthouses and judges' homes.

Central tothe group's protest plans late next month will be occupation-style sit-ins at courthouses and courtrooms around Auckland.

The homes of district and high court judges will also be targeted, says a statement released last night by the activist group.

Yesterday, Sunday News spoke to the group's head, Ngapuhi's Tass Davis, who is co-ordinating elders from several iwi.

Harawira described Davis as "my uncle ... someone I am not surprised at all is behind this".

The Te Tai Tokerau MP said of the campaign: "I will not tell my uncle not to do this. If he feels passionate about it then I say, more power to him."

Davis, a 75-year-old former Auckland police constable, anticipated between 300 and 400 Maori would be involved in the "non-violent campaign" aimed at illustrating "frustrations ... borne out of a legacy of 160 years of colonial oppression".

"Successive governments had conspired to rob Maori of their birthright, leaving many feeling disconnected, poverty-stricken and disadvantaged," Davis said.

Invasions of judges' properties were being planned as were demonstrations at courts between Papakura and the North Shore, in Auckland.

The Diplomatic Protection Squad was last night put on alert and seeking information, while Prime Minister John Key said an MP should not be encouraging "illegal behaviour".

The group ideally wanted a meeting with Key or Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples to discuss their concerns.

"We want to bring a sensible approach to these discussions, not incite fear.

"That does nobody any good," Davis said.

Justice Minister Simon Power said he had not previously heard of the planned protest action, but opposed it.

"I don't think putting people in the judiciary on the spot at their homes is particularly useful in progressing any cause," the minister said.

Power said National was working to "speed up" court processes and, while he understood some people's frustrations, things were changing. "This is a period of considerable reform in terms of efficiency."

Diplomatic Protection Squad commander Inspector Terry O'Neill said he would seek information on the group's planned campaign before commenting.

"But if there was a threat to the home of any judge, then that does fall under my responsibility ... I would suggest that it is not a very good idea," O'Neill said.

Outspoken Maori MP Harawira first learned of his uncle's plans yesterday, but had doubts over the size of the group Davis claims to lead.The MP refused to suggest to his uncle, who he knew "very well", that he stop the campaign from going ahead.

"People should be entitled to do things that are true to their hearts," Harawira said.

Maori Party spokesman Derek Fox said his party does "not support any illegal activity."

"We prefer to leave matters to the court to be sorted," Fox told Sunday News.

Key said "it is not good form to encourage anyone to break the law".

It is not the first time Harawira's relatives have been in the headlines for supporting Maori justice issues.

On June 12, his nephews John Junior Popata, 33, and Wikatana Popata, 19, were convicted of assaulting Key outside Te Tii Marae in February.

Kaikohe District Court was told the brothers assaulted the prime minister "in a rush of blood" because of their concern over land being confiscated from Maori.

- © Fairfax NZ News