More police officers have headed for the site of the Ihumātao land dispute on Monday night amid growing tensions.
It has not been confirmed how many additional officers had headed to the site, but Superintendent Jill Rogers said in a statement to Newshub on Monday night that additional officers had been deployed.
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She said ongoing dialogue with organisers was continuing, to ensure protest action remained peaceful.
Tensions appeared to be growing on Monday night however. Save Our Unique Landscape (SOUL) claims police numbers are "escalating".
About 60 police officers had encircled the front line of demonstrators, protest leader Pania Newton told NZME.
The main supporting group had been seperated from protesters on the frontline, she said.
"There are about 40 police officers seperating us and two police vehicles, and about 58 police vehicles along the road," Newton told NZME.
One Twitter user said it was a "dangerous abuse" of police power.
"Land protectors are being surrounded by police, threatened with trespass if they remain and threatened with assault if they try to push pass police to leave," she claimed.
"I'm on the front line at Ihumātao and we are completely surrounded by police," another wrote.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said it didn't bode well for a peaceful resolution.
"I have raised my concerns with government ministers and am seeking more information behind this escalation," she wrote on Twitter.
"Please stay safe and look after each other as much as you can, while I try find out more."
Spt Rogers said the situation continues to be monitored, and the operational response by police would continue to be assessed.
PM won't rule out visiting site
Jacinda Ardern isn't ruling out visiting the disputed Ihumātao site.
The Māori King met with protesters at the weekend as negotiations continue, and the Prime Minister says discussions are ongoing.
"I don't have any immediate plans - particularly because my focus is on making sure that the Government plays a role in encouraging dialogue."
Ministers, including Davidson, have already previously been at the south Auckland spot.
Newshub.
