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In photos: Ihumātao dispute sees police and protesters face off

Wednesday, 24 July 2019

Hundreds of protesters packed the south Auckland site on Wednesday.
Hundreds of protesters packed the south Auckland site on Wednesday.

People have been arrested and dogs have been pepper sprayed at a clash over a long-disputed property.

Protesters, who have been occupying the land at south Auckland's Ihumātao for the past three years, were served with eviction notices on Tuesday.

Three people jumped the fence into a paddock during the protest, with police in pursuit.
Three people jumped the fence into a paddock during the protest, with police in pursuit.

A large group gathered on Wednesday and police charged a woman with obstruction and being unlawfully on a vehicle after she allegedly climbed onto a truck.

Two large and 'aggressive' dogs were also pepper sprayed, police confirmed.

Save Our Unique Landscape (SOUL) action group leader Pania Newton revs up the protesters.
Save Our Unique Landscape (SOUL) action group leader Pania Newton revs up the protesters.

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A tino rangitiratanga flag was planted on the maunga.
A tino rangitiratanga flag was planted on the maunga.
The protesters describe themselves as the kaitiaki, or guardians, of the land.
The protesters describe themselves as the kaitiaki, or guardians, of the land.
A young man who managed to get through a police line was tackled by three police officers before he could go further.
A young man who managed to get through a police line was tackled by three police officers before he could go further.
Protesters plant a tree at the site.
Protesters plant a tree at the site.
Police say the protest was mainly peaceful, but they were
Police say the protest was mainly peaceful, but they were 'disappointed' in the actions of some.
College students perform a haka and a waiata in front of the police cordon.
College students perform a haka and a waiata in front of the police cordon.
The protesters asked people to come down and show their support.
The protesters asked people to come down and show their support.
Protesters, who have been without power or running water, say they are grateful for those supplying food, water, firewood and means for them to charge their phones.
Protesters, who have been without power or running water, say they are grateful for those supplying food, water, firewood and means for them to charge their phones.
Mihirangi Fleming at the site of the protest.
Mihirangi Fleming at the site of the protest.
The protesters gather to watch a speech.
The protesters gather to watch a speech.

* Dogs pepper sprayed, protesters arrested

* Eviction notices served on Ihumātao protesters

Ihumātao: The Parihaka of south Auckland?

* Fletcher Residential buys south Auckland land**

Protesters describe the land as a 'sacred Māori site' and say it was unjustly confiscated from mana whenua in 1863.

Fletcher Building plans to build about 480 houses at Ihumātao and says it will 'include the affordable housing which many Aucklanders so desperately need'. 

Stuff visual journalists Abigail Dougherty and Ryan Anderson were there on Wednesday.