In a remarkable display of unity and determination, thousands of Māori and their supporters have embarked on a historic nine-day hīkoi (march) across New Zealand to protest against a controversial bill that seeks to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi and impact Māori rights. The march, which began with a powerful dawn karakia (prayer) ceremony at Cape Reinga in the far north, has wound its way down the country, gathering momentum and participants at each stop before culminating in a massive rally at Parliament grounds in Wellington.
The catalyst for this unprecedented demonstration of solidarity is the government’s proposed legislation that many Māori fear will dilute the principles and promises enshrined in the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. Critics argue the bill, if passed, would undermine Māori sovereignty, cultural heritage, and rights to self-determination guaranteed under the Treaty.
A Journey of Resilience and Resistance
The hīkoi, organized by prominent Māori leaders and activists, has galvanized indigenous communities across Aotearoa who see the proposed legislation as yet another breach of faith by the New Zealand government in a long history of Treaty violations and marginalization of Māori interests. From the windswept dunes of Te Rerenga Wairua to the bustling metropolis of Auckland, the march has swelled its ranks day by day, uniting Māori of all ages, regions and tribal affiliations in a common cause.
The sight of the hīkoi winding through towns and cities has been breathtaking – a river of red, black and white as marchers clad in traditional Māori garb and proudly bearing their tribal flags, pour through the streets accompanied by the stirring rhythms of haka and waiata. The atmosphere is one of determination and resilience, but also of joy and celebration as the hīkoi reaffirms the unbreakable bonds of whanaungatanga (kinship) and kotahitanga (unity) among Māori.
Crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge
A defining moment came on Day 3 as the marchers crossed the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, usually the domain of vehicles. In a historic first, the bridge was closed to traffic as a seemingly endless procession of Māori and their Pākehā (New Zealander of European descent) allies marched across, their chants and songs echoing off the steel girders. Gazing back at the sea of supporters stretching into the distance, many marchers were moved to tears by the overwhelming show of aroha (love) and mana (power).
“Today, we walk as one people, in the footsteps of our ancestors, to protect what is precious to us, what is our birthright,” proclaimed one young Māori leader, standing tall atop the bridge. “The Treaty is not just a piece of paper – it is a living covenant, a sacred promise. And we will not let it be trampled.”
Hīkoi Organizer
Rallies and Gatherings Grow
As the hīkoi progressed southward, it sparked an awakening of Māori pride and political will, with rallies and marches erupting in towns and cities across the country in solidarity. From Whangārei to Hamilton, Rotorua to Palmerston North, Māori took to the streets in unprecedented numbers, braving inclement weather and blistered feet to have their voices heard. Each gathering featured impassioned speeches by rangatira (chiefs), community advocates, and youth leaders invigorating the crowds with calls to action.
According to a Māori elder who has been part of the hīkoi since its inception, “I have never in all my years seen our people so united, so stirred in their conviction. This march has awakened something powerful in the Māori heart and spirit. It has connected us across the divides of time and space, reminding us of our sacred duty to uphold the mana of the Treaty for our mokopuna (grandchildren).”
The Final Leg to Parliament
As the hīkoi neared Wellington, anticipation reached a fever pitch. Marchers steeled themselves for the final leg – a ascent to the halls of power, where the fate of the Treaty and Māori self-determination hung in the balance. The ninth and final day saw the hīkoi, now numbering in the tens of thousands, converge on Parliament from all directions – on foot, aboard mighty waka (canoes) on Wellington harbour, and astride motorcycles in a thunderous cavalry.
On the grounds of Parliament, an immense sea of people unfolded before the seat of government – Māori of every hue standing shoulder to shoulder with Pākehā allies, all united in their resolve to defend the Treaty. The chants of “Honour the Treaty!” and “Māori Rights!” reached a crescendo, echoing off the marble edifice of Parliament like a challenge and a prayer. One by one, esteemed kaumātua (elders), activists, and rangatahi (youth) took to the stage to deliver their messages straight to the politicians’ doorstep.
“We stand here today not as subservient subjects, but as Treaty partners,” declared one venerated Māori leader, her voice ringing with conviction. “For too long, the Crown has failed to live up to its obligations under the Treaty. This bill is yet another betrayal, another attempt to diminish our rangatiratanga (sovereignty). But we will not be silenced. We will not be sidelined. We will stand firm in our truth until justice is done!”
Māori Leader at Parliament
A Groundswell of Unity and Purpose
Political observers note that while the controversial bill is not expected to pass in its current form, the hīkoi has achieved something profound and far-reaching. It has galvanized Māori in a way not seen in generations, sparking a renewed sense of political engagement, cultural pride, and unity of purpose among indigenous communities that will have ramifications far beyond this single piece of legislation.
The hīkoi has also forced the nation to confront difficult questions about its colonial past, the ongoing legacy of dispossession and inequity faced by Māori, and the urgent need for genuine partnership and power-sharing as enshrined in the Treaty. It has put Māori rights and aspirations at the center of the national conversation in an unprecedented way, challenging all New Zealanders to look deep within themselves and envision a future of true biculturalism, reconciliation and mutual respect.
As the sun sets over Wellington harbour and the hīkoi marchers catch their breath after an extraordinary nine-day journey, one thing is certain – the march may be over, but the movement has only just begun. The hīkoi of 2024 will go down in history as a defining moment in the struggle for Māori rights and sovereignty, a catalyst for a profound national reckoning and renewal. And its reverberations will be felt for generations to come, as Aotearoa charts a new course guided by the enduring spirit and principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
