Ngā Puhi hapū in a small Bay of Islands town are gearing up to occupy a public reserve to stop a neighbouring boatyard owner from using it.
The Northland Regional Council has been hearing submissions this week on whether to grant Opua Boatyard owner Doug Schmuck consents to upgrade his boatyard and wharf which adjoin with the reserve.
He is able to use the slipway on the reserve for his business - something that's vehemently opposed by local Māori.
RNZ's Meriana Johnsen reports.
