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Hundreds protest against weapons raids | NATIONAL | NEWS | tvnz.co.nz
Hundreds protest weapons raids
Oct 19, 2007 6:25 PM

Some of those caught in the police raids on suspected weapons training camps on Monday took to the streets on Friday to protest the police action.
 
People from the Ruatoki Valley showed their unity in a hikoi through the streets of Whakatane.

The armed ninjas, as they have been called, stormed their valley on Monday.

On Friday, the valley stormed back, arming themselves with sticks and ready for a war of words to protect their children.

"Fear was engendered in their hinengaro (head).  And it's a picture they will take with them til they die, says a protester.

"The kids were all frightened when they hopped on the bus, especially when they get on to the bus with guns," says a witness.

But police deny armed officers stormed a school bus in the Ruatoki Valley.

But school bus driver Isaac Nuku says the police did get on his bus.

"I was one of the drivers. The police did hop on our bus and they did search our bus...They always held their rifles," he says.

Despite the fallout, police hope bridges have not been burnt with the locals.

"We've had one or two of our country officers who have obviously been the meat in the sandwich over this. They are feeling a bit of pressure," says Greg Standon, Area Commander, Whakatane.

"I just ask people to remember we have policemen and women who live and work in this community who are feeling the squeeze."

A crowds of up to 1,000, including many young children, weaved through Whakatane.

Not even the council building itself could stand in their way.

"I personally think it was wrong, the military tactics," says a protester.

The crowds say this is all about the children, and they are concerned what the children were subjected to could affect them for the rest of their lives.

"There are three types of abuse - sexual, physical and mental - I believe that this is a mental issue," says Mere Nuku, the hikoi organiser.

Trauma councillors will now go into the valley to talk to the children.

Court protests

Meanwhile,ONE News can now reveal that Rawiri Iti, the nephew of veteran Maori activist Tame Iiti, is one of those charged following Monday's raids.

A large crowd of protestors turned out at the Auckland District Court for the appearance of seven accused.
 
Many of the supporters are concerned the arrests are a bid to supress free speech and legitimate protests.
 
Inside under tight security, all but one of those with name suppression asked the court to keep their names secret.
 
ONE News successfully fought a number of the suppression bids, but they are all being appealed.

In Wellington, another four people arrested in the police swoop had their bail applications rejected. Their names continue to be suppressed.
 
All those charged will appear in court again next month.

Source: ONE News
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