The 40th anniversary of the Bastion Point occupation is being commemorated today.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei made a stand against the Government's sale of their land.

It led to a face off with police and armed forces and the arrest of 222 people.

Maori studies professor at the University of Auckland Margaret Mutu says many maori had complained for years on their marae about their land being taken away.

She says that was the first time they made a stand.

"Maoridom came in behind Ngati Whatua Orakei, and it was a defining point where Maori said enough is enough. You've stolen all our land, you're not going to have the last tiny vestiges that we have."