Thousands of people waited at Omāhu Marae to fight for hui national unity

The momentum of the protests continues today, with thousands of people expected to gather this morning for the second national hui for unity at Omāhu Marae.

Hui follows yesterday’s rallies across the country at odds with government policy and proposed legislation to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi.

Today Hawke’s Bay Iwi Ngāti Kahungunu will host the second Hui Ā Motu in Hastings.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will not attend the hui, instead dealing with post-budget commitments in Auckland.

Speaking to Breakfast today, Te Karere reporter Moana Makapelu Lee said the event’s pōwhiri would start around 9am.

“These national hui have seen leaders, politicians, iwi community members, Māori and non-Māori alike, come together in response to the coalition government’s policies – most concerning to Māori is the proposed legislation to redefine the Treaty Principles Act.” .

In January, thousands of people came to Tuurangawaewae Marae for the first national hui for unity.

Today Ngāti Kahungunu expected about 3,000, but Makapelu Lee said more were expected.

“This is an important day for iwi. The last kohtahitanga hui held here at Omāhu Marae was in the late 1800s when Kīngi Tāwhiao Pōtatau Te Wherowhero arrived here at Omāhu Marae, and this marae’s association with the monarchy has remained ever since.”

Makapelu Lee added: “The main thing Māori expect from these hui is a new direction forward. “It hasn’t been decided yet what that might look like, but there is talk of a Māori parliament or some sort of waterfront where Māori could meet and decide on the next steps in terms of moving forward under the new government and proposing legislation.”

For more information on the hui at Omāhu Marae, watch the coverage on Te Karere’s social media channels or on the 4pm broadcast this afternoon.