The Hīkoi Against the Treaty Principles Bill

On September 8, 2023, thousands of people from across New Zealand gathered outside Parliament to protest against the proposed Treaty of Waitangi Principles bill. The hīkoi, a traditional Māori journey to bring about change, had been months in the making and was met with an overwhelming response from the public.

Every Day We’ve Observed

Aperahama Edwards followed the hīkoi the whole way to Parliament. In Pōneke, he reflected on what he said were an unforgettable nine days. “Every day we’ve observed and experienced the sharing, generosity and aroha of Aotearoa. As we’ve travelled, that’s been a consistent observation. And the outcry, the passion and the unity of purpose, in terms of bringing something honourable back to our country,” he said.

Honouring Te Tiriti

Edwards also highlighted the importance of honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand. “It’s been heartwarming to see from outside of te ao Māori, standing alongside our people.” He emphasized that it was crucial to make this moment live forever.

The Crowd at Parliament

As the hīkoi arrived at Parliament, organizers expected large numbers to show up in support, but almost no one anticipated the true scale of the crowd. People filled the forecourt, overflowing into nearby streets. Some even climbed the large pōhutakawa trees on Parliament’s lawn.

The Movement Lives On

For Kapa-Kingi and the other organizers, the movement had become much bigger than them. A petition asking the government to “kill the bill” had racked up 200,000 signatures by the time it was delivered to Parliament, and continued to attract more online. The hīkoi in 2004 gave rise to a new political party, Te Pāti Māori.

Conclusion

The hīkoi against the Treaty Principles bill was a testament to the power of unity and determination in bringing about change. As Edwards said, “Toitū te Tiriti ki te ake ake. Te Tiriti is forever.” The future of New Zealand’s relationship with its indigenous people will be shaped by this moment, and it remains to be seen how the government responds to the public’s demands.

The People Speak

Visibly tired but still energetic, Eru Kapa-Kingi was in awe as he looked out at the crowd. “Look at this,” he told them. “What a moment this is. What a response this is. I’m proud of every single one of you, for stepping up today. Standing in this mana and standing in this moment.”

A Petition Signed

The hīkoi also brought about a sense of unity among the people. A petition asking the government to “kill the bill” had racked up 200,000 signatures by the time it was delivered to Parliament, and continued to attract more online.

A New Era

For Kapa-Kingi and the other organizers, the movement had become much bigger than them. The hīkoi in 2004 gave rise to a new political party, Te Pāti Māori. As Kapa-Kingi said, “It’s up to us whether this moment dissipates after today, or whether it lives forever.”

The Impact of the Hīkoi

The impact of the hīkoi on New Zealand’s politics and society will be felt for years to come. The movement brought attention to the importance of honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the need for greater recognition and representation of Māori people.

The Future of New Zealand

As the government considers the public’s demands, one thing is clear: the future of New Zealand’s relationship with its indigenous people will be shaped by this moment. Whether it lives forever or dissipates after today, the hīkoi has given the country a much-needed wake-up call.

A Message to the People

Kapa-Kingi’s words to the crowd suggested the ripples of this hīkoi could be just as profound. As he said, “Toitū te Tiriti ki te ake ake. Te Tiriti is forever.” The people have spoken, and their voices will continue to shape the future of New Zealand.

A New Era for Māori

The hīkoi marked a new era in the fight for Māori rights and recognition. As Kapa-Kingi said, “It’s up to us whether this moment dissipates after today, or whether it lives forever.” The people have shown that they will no longer be ignored, and their voices will continue to shape the future of New Zealand.

The Power of Unity

The hīkoi was a testament to the power of unity and determination in bringing about change. As Edwards said, “Every day we’ve observed and experienced the sharing, generosity and aroha of Aotearoa.” The people have shown that they will no longer be divided, and their voices will continue to shape the future of New Zealand.

The People’s Voice

The hīkoi brought about a sense of unity among the people. A petition asking the government to “kill the bill” had racked up 200,000 signatures by the time it was delivered to Parliament, and continued to attract more online. The people have spoken, and their voices will continue to shape the future of New Zealand.

The Hīkoi Lives On

As Kapa-Kingi said, “It’s up to us whether this moment dissipates after today, or whether it lives forever.” The hīkoi marked a new era in the fight for Māori rights and recognition.