Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha says police will minimise their presence at Ihumātao, although he won't specify exactly what that means in terms of the number of boots on the ground.
Mr Haumaha was welcomed onto Ihumātao on Tuesday, following a tense standoff on Monday night between police and mana whenua, who oppose the Māngere site being developed for housing.
Mr Haumaha has told the occupiers he will ensure that does not happen again.
Mr Haumaha spoke with reporters on Thursday afternoon, including RNZ's Te Aniwa Hurihanganui.
