The peaceful protesters mustered near Rosebank Lodge at 5pm and walked about 2.4km to Te Pou Ō Mata-Au — Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre.
Announced by waiata, the hikoi was about Māori showing solidarity after the gains made in recent years, as they looked to a new government many saw as unsympathetic, local man Rob Aramoana said.
"It’s like they want to abolish our language ... I think [te reo] should be compulsory up to year nine or 10 and optional afterwards," he said.
Kōrero tene (impromptu speeches) were given on the steps of the new community centre before a few short haka.
"Our voices, mana, marae and iwi will be heard ... Māori are one," manu kōrero orator Jarel Taunoa said.
"The signs they are taking down represent us. This is our signal to Parliament — to those three [parties]— we are here. You are not going to get rid of us."
The hikoi ended with karakia and impromptu haka in honour of Milton woman Rheese Kidwell, who had been instrumental in organising the peaceful demonstration.
