The number of protesters at Ihumātao has swelled in response to more police officers being deployed.
The police line at Ihumātao on Monday evening after more officers were brought in. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen
Dozens of police officers lined up last night, blocking Ihumātao Quarry Road, with crowds of land defenders standing in front of them.
However, there was no sign of trouble before midnight.
Both sides were wrapped up warm against the cold night, with firewood burning to provide extra warmth and light.
Protesters were waving flags, singing songs, and giving talks, while officers were standing still.
Flags fly at Ihumātao on Monday evening after police ramped up their presence. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen
Earlier, on social media, protesters said police action had escalated with people being threatened with arrest or trespass.
They also said police had stopped them from taking food, blankets and water to those on the front line of the occupation but later allowed it through.
Superintendent Jill Rogers confirmed more officers had been deployed.
"The decision has been made to deploy additional police officers to maintain order and ensure there is no breach of the peace.
"Police are also continuing to have ongoing dialogue with protest organisers to ensure protest action remains peaceful."
In an additional statement to RNZ, police said: "This was an operational decision to ensure safety."
The scene at Ihumātao on Monday evening. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen
A police spokesperson said there had been no arrests made nor trespass notices issued so far. Police would not specify how many extra officers had been deployed.
They said people had not been prevented from taking resources to protesters.
RNZ's reporter at the scene, Liu Chen, earlier said officers and protesters were facing off but there was no sign of trouble.
People gathered at Ihumātao on Monday evening. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen
Some protesters had bought chairs to settle in for the night after calls went out on social media for people to come to protest the increased police presence.
This doesn't bode well for peaceful resolution. To Ihumātao kaitiaki - I have raised my concerns with government Ministers and am seeking more information behind this escalation. Please stay as safe and look after each other as much as you can, while I try find out more. https://t.co/zNJZnLalHc
— Marama Davidson MP (@MaramaDavidson) August 5, 2019
Green party co-leader Marama Davidson said she was seeking more information behind the escalation in police presence.
She called for people at the site to stay safe and look out for one another.
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