The tribe making another legal attempt to stop the search for oil off the East Coast says it's prepared to fight to the bitter end.
Te Whanau a Apanui and Greenpeace have gone to the Court of Appeal after losing their case at the High Court in Wellington last month.
They're seeking the quashing of a deepwater exploration permit won by Brazilian energy company Petrobras.
Te Whanau a Apanui spokesperson Rikirangi Gage says the iwi won't give up its challenge.
He says his tribe has a proverb: Kaua e mate wheke mate ururoa (don't die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead shark).
He says he hopes the Court of Appeal finds in the iwi's favour.
