Hīkoi mō te Tiriti could involve 50,000 people by tomorrow

Beginning in Cape Rēinga last Monday, the journey has passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville, with overnight stops in Rotorua and Porirua. 

The Hīkoi is a united front against the Treaty Principals Bill, which was introduced by ACT leader David Seymour. The bill itself could hold serious consequences in the relationship between the Crown and Māori.

Seymour gave the first reading of the bill in Parliament house last Thursday and said the purpose of the Treaty Principles Bill is for Parliament to define the principles of the Treaty, provide certainty and clarity, and promote a national conversation about their place in our constitutional arrangements.  

He says he looks forward to seeing how Aotearoa reacts to the bill. Aotearoa is definitely putting on a sight. The hīkoi saw one of its largest days last Wednesday, when it reached Tāmaki Makaurau.

The police estimate over 5000 people took their place on Auckland’s harbor bridge, with others estimating close to 10,000. The bridge was a sea of flags, signs and people standing together in unity. Embracing Tangata whenua, Kaitiakitanga and connections with communities. People from all walks of life, backgrounds and ethnicities stood in the wind, as police reported the bridge began to sway.  

Despite the march initially being put together to oppose the ACT bill, for others it was more than just that. Local father, Iriha, was at the march through Tāmaki Makaurau to Bastian Point and says at the end of the day it is about history, and he is doing it for his kids.  

“It is about our rangatahi, and that is why we are going.” He walked with his children and said the whole day had been such a beautiful atmosphere. He compared it to the likes of a concert, but with a different Kaupapa, everyone had the same outcome in mind. 

For Matiu and his partner, who were at the march when it reached the waterfront, it was an eye-opening experience, seeing so many locals together with such levels of passion. 

Thousands are set to meet on the lawns of the Beehive in Pōneke tomorrow. Treaty activists spoke to The Hui, and say they expect over 50,000 people to have joined the march over its 9 days. 

Tiriti Action Group have released a post on Instagram, explaining how you can show support, even if you can’t get to a march yourself.