After days of peaceful occupation, all hell broke loose at Ihumātao this week when police unexpectedly ramped up their numbers.
Those on the front line of the occupation claim they were pushed around by police and blocked from accessing blankets and water despite the cold, wet weather.
Police say they were responding to information the protectors were about to make a move, and praised staff for their professionalism despite being verbally abused.
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Ultimately it was the top Māori cop Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha who brought calm to a heated situation. He spoke to The Hui about working collaboratively with protectors and the changing culture within police.
Watch the video.
