Treaty Principles Bill hīkoi takes to southern streets

Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Member of Parliament for Te Tai Tonga Tākuta Ferris leads the protest in Invercargill on Monday.

Hundreds of people, including young students, have marched in Invercargill to protest a bill that seeks to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday.

The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to Parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.

In the south, MP for Te Tai Tonga Tākuta Ferris helped lead the protest.

Hundreds of people including students gather for protest in Invercargill, organised by Te Pāti Māori.

“It was important as MP for Te Tai Tonga to give something for whānau in Murihiku (southern tribal area) to engage and be part of the wider activations taking place across the country.

“Beginning at Cape Reinga in the far north, it was only right that we began our version of the hīkoi at Stirling Point in Bluff before descending on Invercargill.

“Māori, from our kaumātua (elders) to our mokopuna (grandchildren), and tangata tiriti came together in what was a sign of unity, and is the manifestation of Te Tiriti’s true intent. Te Tiriti is everyone’s and we all have a duty to uphold it, together.”

The hīkoi from Bluff will continue up the country to Parliament.

Ferris said it was beautiful to see our local kura and kōhanga in attendance.

“We have always been resolute that the decisions made for Aotearoa are in fact mokopuna decisions. What we decide as politicians and as the wider collective, has huge implications for our tamariki mokopuna.

“It is important that they are conscious, engaged and are aware of the decisions that they will ultimately inherit. In the years to come, they will look back and see photos and videos from today, and know they were part of standing up for their rights.”

On Tuesday, the kaupapa travelled to Ōtepoti, Dunedin, where an activation in the Octagon started at 12pm.

“We continue the journey to Ōtautahi, Christchurch on Wednesday and Whakatū, Nelson on Thursday before joining the northern hikoi in Porirua,” Ferris said.

Police warned hīkoi supporters to be aware of a scam circulating asking for a koha to connect to a livestream of the hīkoi.

Hīkoi organisers said this was not a legitimate request and police advised that people be cautious about any online requests for money from unknown entities.