A Northland hapu has told an Australian mining company to stay out of its tribal territory.
De Grey Mining hopes to start test-drilling next month for gold and silver in the Puhipuhi hills north of Whangarei.
Ngati Hau elders have written to the mining company telling it to surrender its exploration permits.
Hapu spokesperson Ben Pitman says tangata whenua won't tolerate mining on their ancestral land and if necessary will take direct action to stop it.
He says Ngati Hau has accepted offers of support for its stand from many Pakeha people and organisations, including the Northland branch of Forest and Bird.
De Grey Mining says several companies have done test-drilling at Puhipuhi over the years with no adverse effects.
Dr Pitman says the hapu has no faith in the company's assurances that drilling will not disturb toxic mercury deposits or pollute aquifers.
