Occupiers on coast to stop ‘desecration’

A peaceful occupation has started on the Kaiko¯ura coast to stop new works near culturally significant sites.

The breakaway occupiers, who were previously part of community group Protect Our Unique Kaiko¯ ura Coast (POU), have set up camp about 15 kilometres north of the Kaiko¯ ura township.

Sharon Rayner, of Ngati Kuri, is leading the stand to protect sites near the Ma¯ ngama¯ unu urupa¯ , as North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) begins safety upgrades at the intersection of Kiwa Rd and State Highway 1.

NCTIR said cultural monitors and archaeologists would be on site during the five weeks it took to carry out the work.

‘‘This occupation is to protect our Kaiko¯ ura coast and whenua, tı¯puna . . . and wildlife from any more desecration,’’ Rayner said.

She intended to occupy the site until the works stopped.

A NCTIR spokeswoman said work was due to start at Kiwa Rd on Monday, and had been agreed upon with the Ma¯ngama¯unu Marae and Te Ru¯nanga o Kaiko¯ ura.

A blessing was planned to take place before works began, but ‘‘it was not considered appropriate in the current circumstances’’, she said.

‘‘There have been numerous hui held over this safety work to ensure everyone knew what was planned and was in agreement.’’

They had invited the individuals occupying to talk, she said.

Miriama Teahipuhia Allen, of Ngati Kuri, said she had ancestors buried beneath the land they were occupying.

‘‘I just want it to stop, that’s why I’m here.’’

According to a NCTIR spokeswoman, in the past 25 years, there had been three deaths and 16 crashes at the Kiwa Rd intersection and bend on State Highway 1.

The safety upgrades included a right turning bay for northbound traffic turning onto Kiwa Rd, to improve drivers’ vision and safety, she said.

The state highway area would be widened by approximately one lane to allow for the new right turn.

The intersection would be slightly lifted and widened to create space for the turning bay and to allow for a safer left hand turn into Kiwa Rd from the north.

The existing wooden railing on the seaward side of the bend would remain. On the inland side of the road edge, new concrete kerb and channel would be laid.

NCTIR had worked closely with Te Ru¯nanga o Kaiko¯ura and Ma¯ngama¯unu Marae on this project, she said.

POU Kaiko¯ ura Coast chair Ngaio Te Ua said they were not involved in this occupation, but respected individual’s rights to protest and stand up for what they believed in.

Te Ru¯nanga o Kaiko¯ura approached for comment. was