Maori Party MP Hone Harawira has hit back at those criticising him for his opposition to marine turbines in the Kaipara Harbour.

In his Northland Age column, Mr Harawira said contrary to media reports he did not suggest dumping cars into the harbour to block the erection of the turbines and that notion was actually put forward "by an old Pakeha guy." Mr Harawira said he told residents he would help them stop the project including protests if necessary.

Describing his critics as deadbeats, he says the Maori Party was born out of protest and he has no plans to renounce the practice simply because he is an MP and his party supports the Government.

Crest Energy's plan for 200 submerged tidal turbines located at the entrance to the harbour could eventually provide up to three percent of New Zealand's power. The project is estimated to cost around $600 million over a decade.

Kaipara Harbour is one of the world's largest covering 900 square kilometres with 3,000 kilometres of shoreline.