45 years ago, the Ōrākei Māori Action Committee, led by Joe Hawke, began the occupation of Takaparawhā | Bastion Point reserve to protest the Government’s plan to subdivide the land for private housing development. Ngāti Whātua maintained the land had been unjustly taken.

The occupation lasted for 506 days, after which time the protesters were forcibly removed, and many arrested. However, the landmark Waitangi Tribunal claim which followed ruled in favour of Ngāti Whātua, and the land was subsequently returned.

Watch Media Services’ playlist of news items and documentaries to mark this occasion.