Peaceful occupation of ancient lands
Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve, Mangere, Saturday, midday.
They don’t all know each other but they don’t need to; they are united by cause, belief and something more spiritual.
They are here, at the Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve, to protest at the loss of spiritually significant land to a housing development. This is Auckland, after all.
An undercurrent of excitement passes person to person with the hongi; the touching of noses, the sharing of breath.
This is one of the country’s oldest settlements, becoming home to Maori in 1100 AD.
Having gone as far as possible to save the land through the bureaucratic process, 50 Maori and some Pakeha from around the country are engaging in a ‘‘peaceful occupation’’.
It’s a sunny day, with strong winds skittling clouds across the sky.
The number of people is growing as everyone contributes, pitching tents, playing music and setting up barbecue pits.
‘‘I’m going to be here for as long it takes, to stop this development,’’ said Pania Newton, spokeswoman for the 2000-strong Save Our Unique Landscape group.
‘‘This is the place where Polynesians became Maori.’’
And in that spot, on ground where generations of their ancestors lived and died, ltradition can’t help but seep in.
‘‘It is a national treasure. Don’t let 450 millionaires own this space, let five million New Zealanders enjoy it.’’