A peaceful occupation at Lake Rotokakahi near Rotorua over the Tarawera sewerage project

Protesters are demanding Rotorua Lakes District Council divert the intended sewer pipe - saying it threatens the tapu of the site where many were buried after the Mount Tarawera eruption.

A powhiri will be held at 12.

Protect Rotokakahi spokesperson Leka Skipworth says the action will be peaceful - but this isn't acceptable.

He says it's a heritage site - so this is equivalent to building a sewer pipe through Pompeii or Chunuk Bair.

The Council says the scheme was extensively considered and is intended to protect the health of the community and environment.