Whānau of Te Paerata Papakāinga in Mōkau are making a stand to protect their ancestral urupā they claim has been desecrated due to earth works and other activities.
Te Paerata spokesperson Marama Henare-Waho says while it’s a long-standing issue, it’s one that has been more prevalent in recent months, prompting them to take action through peaceful protest.
They want to raise awareness around the importance of their wāhi tapu in the hope that people can better understand its significance.
This is part of our Te Reo Kahika feature, with funding from NZ On Air and the Public