The controversial Popata brothers convicted of assaulting Prime Minister John Key two years ago at Waitangi led a protest through Tauranga on Thursday afternoon.

Wikatana and John Popata gathered with about 30 protesters at the Reclamation car park before the march headed through central Tauranga.

See video below of Wikatana Popata talking about his issue with the proposed foreshore and seabed legislation.

The hikoi is in opposition to the government's Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill, which replaces Labour's 2004 foreshore and seabed legislation.

Wikatana and John, who are the nephews of former Maori Party MP Hone Harawira, began the Hikoi in Northland two days ago.

They are travelling down to Parliament, stopping in cities and towns along the way to march through the streets with their supporters.

Tauranga's Hazel Hape helped mobilise locals who participated in the march.

She says the new foreshore and seabed legislation raises too many issues that cannot be ignored.