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Regional | Kaitaia

Police step in to end Kaitaia Airport protest

Police have ended the protest at Kaitaia Airport which began yesterday morning, and have confirmed that five people have been arrested in relation to the protest.

More than 40 people occupied the airport at the start of the protest.

Police say they began talking with the protestors to try and resolve the situation.

At approximately 2pm today, protestors were served trespass orders when negotiations did not come to a resolution.

About 15 protestors were on the airport grounds and many of them chose to leave.

Five of them remained behind and were arrested for trespass.  They will appear in the Kaitaia District Court on Wednesday 17 September.

Far North Area Commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard says the time had come for police to take action.

"Kaitaia Airport provides an essential service for the community and we had to consider the safety and well-being of Kaitaia residents, particularly as medical staff and supplies needed to get into the community on flights coming into the airport," she said.

Robilliard says everyone has the lawful right to protest, but this group had chosen to act unlawfully, which meant police needed to step in, "Thankfully the situation was resolved without injury to anyone or damage to property."