Maori activist Tame Iti has been charged over an incident involving a gun and the national flag.

Police have charge Iti with firearms offences and with desecration of the flag at a marae in Ruatoki in the Bay of Plenty.

The move follows intense political pressure in parliament aimed at the police minister. Iti told One News he blamed political pressure for forcing the hand of local police.

He will appear in Whakatane District Court next Thursday.

The Tuhoe activist was filmed brandishing and firing a shotgun during protests aimed at Waitangi Tribunal officials.

But it's the police who have been in the gun for failing to arrest the activist despite being there at the time.

New Zealand First's law and order spokesman questioned why the police did not immediately arrest Iti for discharging a firearm in a public place.

Police Minister George Hawkins said while he suspected most New Zealanders would have liked Iti to be immediately arrested, "the police have to collect the evidence and be certain of success".

Iti told One News he doesn't blame the police and feels media and politicians forced their hand.

Hawkins came under intense pressure in the debating chamber to explain why officers failed to act until the political heat went on. While stressing that he does not direct the police in the way they carry out their duties, the minister issued a statement on Thursday calling on police to front up.

National's police spokesman Tony Ryall said this contradicts Hawkins' claims that he never interferes with police activity.

"I don't get involved in...being a know-all of what the police should do or should not do," Hawkins said.

But just two hours later Bay of Plenty police did release a statement. They said the decision not to intervene on the day was the right one and that if there was sufficient evidence police would lay charges.