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National | Protest

Hīkoi against deep sea drilling expected at Waitangi today

A contingent of Northland hapū who began a hīkoi from Cape Reinga on Saturday in protest of deep sea oil drilling are expected to arrive at Waitangi this morning.

Hikoi organiser Reuben Taipari says the hīkoi came about as a result of the Government continuing to ignore concerns of Northland hapū by granting licences to overseas drilling companies.

Norwegian company Statoil has been granted an exploration licence for the area of Te Reinga Basin-Northland despite opposition from local iwi.

Mr Taipari says, “the hīkoi is for our children and grandchildren and we plan to give a united message to the nation and the Crown.”

The Prime Minister is also expected to be welcomed onto Te Tii Marae later this morning.