August 14, 2019
Ihumaatao protectors in for the long haul
Ihumātao protest leader Pania Newton says she can see the dispute dragging on for another couple of years if that's what is needed to protect the whenua.
She says nothing has come so far out of discussions between mana whenua groups facilitated by the Kiingitanga, but she is comfortable with the way they are going.
"We've been here for well over two and a half years so we could easily be here another two and a half years if we need to, however long it takes to find a resolution, we are willing to put in the hard yards," Ms Newton says.
She says the wairua among protectors remains high, despite the bad weather, and a mutual deescalation agreed with the police is holding.
Ms Newton will take part in a panel discussion at the University of Auckland's Waipapa Marae this afternoon put on by Ngā Tauira ki Ihumātao (Students with Ihumātao).
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