Ihumatao: Iwi mandate can't be ignored - Willie Jackson

The co-chair of the Labour Māori caucus Willie Jackson says the government will find itself in serious trouble if it starts disregarding iwi mandates when it comes to Māori land.

But land rights, or a lack of in the case of Ihumātao, is precisely what has drawn hundreds of peaceful protesters to Auckland.

Mr Jackson says he sympathises with those on the frontline, but the government has to respect the settlement.

The Green Party disagrees and co-leader Marama Davidson says the way the Crown recognises mandates is flawed and that's caused the whole mess.

RNZ political reporter Jo Moir has this story.