A few dozen people keeping watch at Wainuiōmata Marae in the Hutt Valley continue their vigil to stop anti-mandate protesters entering iwi land.
As protesters regroup after the chaos and violence of Wednesday, it was rumoured some would head to the marae.
Since Thursday iwi and community members have stood guard, saying some protesters have shown up and been abusive, but none has entered.
When RNZ visited on Friday morning many passing motorists tooted in support.
But one man turned up and and angrily shouted his views, before he was asked to move on.
After a scuffle he was taken away by police, who were quickly on the scene.
It was not clear if the man was part of the anti-mandate protest at Parliament.
Later this afternoon, police confirmed that a 50-year-old man was arrested at Wainuiōmata Marae and charged with disorderly behaviour.
Mana whenua prevent protesters from occupying Wainuiōmata Marae in Lower Hutt on 4 March, 2022. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The marae has been previously targeted by protesters during vaccination clinics there, so on Friday the clinic remained closed.
Among those sitting on deckchairs in the sun was Huri Kauri.
"There was a slight call to arms to protect the taonga that it is. Wainui mobilised itself very rapidly yesterday.
"It was an easy call to come down and be part of this," he said.
"Whether you're like 60 or [on] ACC and incapacitated it doesn't matter. Stand up for what you believe in."
Mana whenua prevent protesters from occupying Wainuiōmata Marae. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Meanwhile, pockets of freedom convoy protesters were regrouping, some in Miramar in Wellington, and some at a campsite in Catchpool Valley at the entrance to the Remutaka Forest Park, about 20 minutes from Wainuiomata.
People there told RNZ they were shocked by what happened the other day.
Some were recovering from injuries.
One man maintained they would have left Parliament's lawn tidy if not for police forcing them off.
Back at the marae, those keeping watch said they would stay as long as they are needed.
Deb McIvor said she would tell protesters who came by they had had their chance to make a stand, but those who wanted to do so peacefully were overtaken.
"It's time for the protesters to go home and have a shower and think about what's happened. We want Wellington back. We just don't want them to camp up here."
Some protesters are camping at Mahanga Bay on the Miramar Peninsula, Wellington. Photo: RNZ
Claudine Moore's mum and dad were involved in building the marae.
She said the stand was about looking after its freedom, including its choice to run a vaccination clinic.
"They are all about pro choice and so that's what we're trying to do.
"We have given people an option to come to a vaccination centre and feel comfortable and safe, so them [protesters] coming and preventing that is stopping pro choice all around."
The vigil has support of other iwi, and Taranaki Whānui chief executive Lee Hunter is among those who have turned up to make a stand.
He said iwi were there to support the marae and the wider community.
Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry also showed his support at the marae on Friday.
"The poor behaviour and disrespect shown to the Wainuiomata Marae and community is completely unacceptable.
"This is a marae that was built by the local community. I'm proud to see our people standing strong to say this is not OK. The protesters simply need to go home."
In central Wellington, police are again promising a big presence this weekend.
They are also appealing to the public for help to identify those involved in criminal activity during police clashes with protesters at Parliament on Wednesday. In a statement, police asked for images and videos of people committing offences to be uploaded to a police site online.
Lower Molesworth Street in front of Parliament remains closed.
