Hundreds have descended upon south Auckland in response to the Maori King's call for solidarity

Nineteen buses from the Waikato made the journey to the disputed Ihumatao land early this morning, to show a united front.

Parata Berryman, from Huntly, says nearly his whole iwi are in attendance.

He admires the tenacity of the protesters camping out in the wintry conditions.

Berryman says their actions show just how committed they are to the cause.