20 Aug 2019

Hapū ready to occupy mountain to stop cellphone tower

From Checkpoint, 5:23 pm on 20 August 2019

Plans to build a cellphone tower in the rural Utakura Valley in Northland have come to a halt, following widespread opposition by hapū who have threatened to occupy the land in protest.

Hapū in Northland are willing to occupy a mountain in Hokianga to stop the construction of a cell phone tower.

Photo: Supplied

The tower is set to be built on Whakarongorua Maunga, a mountain considered sacred by local Māaori. Whānau from the rohe told RNZ reporter Te Aniwa Hurihanganui they're willing to be arrested to stop it going ahead.

Whakarongorua maunga in the Utakura Valley in Hokianga.

Photo: Supplied