WHANGAMATA, New Zealand—Some 30 representatives of Maori groups and others set up a tent camp on the banks of the estuary at Whangamata July 1. The encampment protests the imminent construction of a 205-berth marina.

Nathan Kennedy and Pauline Clarkin, spokespersons for Hauraki iwi or peoples, discussed the issues with Militant reporters July 13. “The channel for the marina will cut through our kaimoana (seafood) beds,” said Clarkin. There is also concern that paving for car parking will destroy the habitat of several rare coastal bird species and the endangered moko skink lizard.

Clarkin and Kennedy pointed to a prominent banner reading, “C’MON HELEN. 4SHORE 4ALL.” The banner refers to legislation passed in 2004 by the Labour Party-led government of Prime Minister Helen Clark. The new law took away the right of Maori to file claims registering customary ownership of areas of the country’s foreshore, the part of the shore between the water and cultivated or developed land. Maori organized widespread protests in opposition, including a march of 20,000 people in Wellington, the capital.

—TERRY COGGAN