Waiheke Island, New Zealand residents protest the construction of two buildings on a historic burial site, 2012

On 1 October 2012, residents of Waiheke Island, New Zealand, protested against the installation of two pre-constructed buildings in Wharetana Bay, a historic site over 170 years old that is home to a Maori burial ground. This burial ground makes the bay a site of both archaeological and cultural importance.

Ongoing construction work had stopped in June 2012 when the excavation unearthed archaeological artifacts. Construction continued again on 20 September after Scott Holoyoake, the nephew of Prime Minister Sir Keith Holyoake and orchestrator of the construction, requested landowner access to the natural reserve property from the Waiheke Community Board, and the Board approved the request. This decision also made trespassing on the property illegal.

Local residents had expressed concerns that the construction of the two buildings would ruin the natural beauty of the bay and foreshore reserve. Residents urged the Board to not grant landowner access and stop construction at the 20 September Community Board meeting. They also argued that the construction was an issue of transparency as well because the Aukland Council did not consult the residents about the construction. However, no nonviolent actions were found prior to the 1 October action.

On 1 October at 7 am, local residents attempted to physically stop the unloading of the barge carrying a pre-fabricated boatshed and pavilion by standing in line along the shore of the bay. Police carried protesters away, arresting seven for trespassing including local community board member Paul Walden. Councilor Mike Lee and Green MP Denise Roche also participated in the protest. After the police removed the protesters, the two buildings were unloaded and constructed with no further disruptions. Police later released the seven who were arrested and cleared their charges.