Taipā, river, inlet and Doubtless Bay at the background. Photo: 123rf
A roadblock preventing fishers from using a boat ramp in the Far North has been lifted - but protesters say they will be back at 5am tomorrow to make sure boats cannot be launched.
About 30 members of Ngāti Kahu iwi have been blocking access to the ramp at Taipa, ahead of this weekend's Doubtless Bay Fishing Competition.
Kaitiaki Wikatana Popata said the group was concerned about overfishing and that contest organisers should have consulted iwi before staging the event.
One person was arrested earlier today for obstructing a public way, Kaitaia police senior sergeant Dan Williams said.
He was later released with a warning.
The protest group subsequently had a discussion with the competition organisers.
Williams said he was confident the contest would go ahead.
Up to 500 people are expected to participate in the annual contest.
