High tensions at a protest against the Mayor of Kaipara's ban of karakia - despite a subsequent u-turn

Craig Jepson faced backlash for stopping a new Maori Ward councillor opening a November 30 hui with a blessing.

He quickly backtracked, saying councillors can take turns opening meetings however they see fit.

Protest organiser Paturiri Toautu says the Mayor came outside, and looked at them with disdain.

He says it was a peaceful march, but he grabbed a megaphone and told Jepson he was a racist, white supremacist.