The Māori protesters in the 1970s-80s fought against government occupation of their land for a variety of reasons, including historical injustices, cultural identity, and economic interests.
One of the main grievances of Māori protesters was the loss of their land through colonial land confiscations, often done without their consent or proper compensation. Many Māori felt that the government had failed to recognize their rights to their ancestral lands and that they had been dispossessed of their resources and cultural heritage.
In addition to the historical injustices, Māori protesters also fought against the government occupation of their land to assert their cultural identity. Land was seen as a central aspect of Māori culture and identity, and the loss of land was seen as a threat to their way of life. By protesting against government occupation, Māori activists sought to assert their cultural rights and protect their heritage.
Finally, economic interests also played a role in the Māori protests. Land and resources were seen as a potential source of economic development, and many Māori believed that the government had unfairly benefited from their resources. By protesting against government occupation of their land, Māori activists sought to gain greater control over their resources and to gain greater economic independence.
Overall, the Māori protests against government occupation of their land were driven by a desire to address historical injustices, to assert their cultural identity and to pursue economic interests