Bastion Point trouble

Press, 30 April 1981, Page 1

Bastion Point trouble

PA Auckland A confrontation at Bastion Point between Maori protesters and building contractors yesterday resulted in damage to two cars, and the protest leader, Mr Joe Hawke, predicts more trouble. Mr Hawke’s car was struck by an earthmover driven by Mr Douglas Paul. The windows of Mr Paul’s van parked nearby were smashed, allegedly in retaliation by protesters.

Mr Hawke and about 10 of his supporters were protesting about the subdividing of 2ha of Bastion Point by the Housing Corporation. He delivered an ultimatum to corporation members on the site yesterday, promising that Bastion Point would be reoccupied if the land development was not stopped within a few days.

’ Bastion Point was occupied by Maori land protesters for 17 months ■ from January, 1977. The protesters, led by Mr Hawke, wanted the Crown lands returned to the Maori people, and occupied the area in defiance of several attempts to remove them., They were eventually removed by the police in May, 1978.

Contractors were yesterday putting in turning heads for three cul-de-' sacs, preparing the land for the Housing. Corporation to sell to private developers. Mr Hawke asserted that his car was not impeding the earthmover and that it was struck deliberately.

"It bordered on murder,” said Mr Hawke, who was in the car with his wife when it was hit.

“We had every right’ to be on the land and there was no reason for him to drive into the car.”

Mr Hawke alleged that the driver of the earthmover attempted to hit the car again, but veered away at the last moment when Mrs Hawke jumped on to the bonnet -of the car.

However, Mr Paul said that he did not intend to hit the car, which was parked to block the earthmover.

Mr Hawke said he had laid a complaint with the police, and Mr Paul said he intended to do the same.

The Auckland police said last evening that they were investigating two complaints of wilful damage. No charges had been laid.

Mr Hawke said he would soon be meeting the Auckland Trades Council, which had imposed “a green ban” on the area and was opposed to this development of the land, to discuss courses of action. He had invited all political parties and members of the Housing Corporation to meet protesters at the Orakei marae on Sunday.-