‘Ignited’ protesters against the government’s anti-Māori policies are protesting in droves across Aotearoa

Thousands of people took to the streets across the motu to oppose government policy towards Māori, while Te Pāti Māori announced plans to create a Māori parliament.

This is the second Māori mobilization across the country, with the first protest taking place in December 2023. This time it coincided with Budget Day.

Protests took place in dozens of cities from 6.30am this morning, including Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Some traveled on foot as part of the hīkoi, while a series of “carkoi” – or hīkoi on wheels – took place in Auckland.

The crowds were large and loud. Tamariki held signs as large as themselves, reading Toitū te Tiriti, and Tino rangatiratanga flags flew high and draped over the kui’s shoulders.

Once again, people opposed the coalition government’s policies – such as getting rid of the Te Aka Whai Ora Māori Health Authority, removing the power of local governments to decide on the establishment of Māori units, removing references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in legislation, and the Party’s desire to redefine the principles of the Treaty.

These changes and proposed laws were “really harmful”, a protester in Auckland said.

Many told RNZ they felt the coalition was rapidly dismantling issues they had fought long and hard for.

“All of a sudden they just come along at the snap of a finger and change some of these laws,” said Auckland resident Ethan Smith.

“We want them to sit down with us and do a little deeper korero so we can discuss these issues and find a better solution for everyone.”

There is something wrong with a country that constantly has to learn the same lessons, Denise Messiter said in the capital.

“We thought that we were together as a country, as a democracy, that we were ready to take care of our mokopuna and protect it. Now they are here in the streets, marching on our behalf. That’s how dangerous this country is.”

Whānau were “fed up” and “horny”, said another in Christchurch.

Strength in numbers

The response to Te Pāti Māori’s call for nationwide protests has been encouraging, said Northland Māori district councilor Phoenix Ruka.

He said the hīkoi in Whangarei, which involved more than 1,300 people, was almost twice the size of the December protests.

“I was blown away by the amount of whānau who were here today, the photos and updates from all the hīkoi up and down Aotearoa. This is huge, the presence is huge, so we are proud, we are grateful, we are humbled.”

Pākehā – or tangata tiriti (Treaty people) – also turned out to be supportive of Māori.

It was important that they also championed the cause, said Wellington’s Christine Moriarty.

“I’m here because this government has no social conscience and I think (they) have misread the country’s feelings towards Māori.”

The North Shore resident said: “I think Māori and Māoritanga are one of the most unique and special things about New Zealand. If we lose this, what are we really going to do?”

It’s time for a Māori Parliament

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi addressed thousands gathered on the Parliament lawn.

“Serving you is the greatest honor of our lives,” Ngarewa-Packer said through tears.

She stated that parliament had failed Māori.

“This place… has undone the hard work that our tupuna… our leaders have done before us.”

Waititi said it was time to create a Māori parliament.

“Time passed and we were late to the game, but we are here now,” he said.

“It is time for us to step comfortably and boldly into rangatiratanga.”

The couple asked people to sign the Declaration of Political Independence, which they will take to the hui taumata at Omahu Marae in Hastings on Friday.

A poster for the hui announced that leaders from across Māori would meet to “decide how we will achieve Māori national unity”.

Greens, Labor Party offer support

Among the protesters meeting outside the parliament were members of the Green and Labor parties.

“It’s just great. We love seeing this kind of gathering and it is appropriate because this is a government that does not prioritize funding Māori,” said Labor MP Willie Jackson.

“Today is about unity, about people coming together and dreaming of a better future and a different system,” said Kahurangi Carter from the Green Party.

“People really showed up today, we can see how strong we are in unity.”