Some background info:

"The important thing to understand about this case is that it represents the continuation of a long history of state oppression of Maori communities. The Tuhoe nation who were targetted in the police surveillance operation and the military style raids have always maintained their independence. They refused to sign the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi which established colonial government in New Zealand and have always maintained their Mana Motuhake, rights to autonomy and self-government. Tuhoe have been punished many times for this independent spirit. The state arbitrarily confiscated swathes of Tuhoe land in the 19th century and state forces have made continual efforts to assert control over Tuhoe territory by force. This October's raids, in which police in full combat gear held the small community of Ruatoki under siege, have reminded many people of the police raid of Maungapohatu in 1916, when Tuhoe leader Rua Kenana was arrested, his son and another supporter killed and his community broken up.

Non-Maori who have supported or visited Tuhoe have also been targetted by the police and many people are worried about the use of terrorism legislation to target political activists. But the real targets of this state oppression were Tuhoe communities like the residents of Ruatoki. The reason is the same as it was in 1916: the state is afraid of people who maintain their autonomy and when it moves against them it uses force."