Hundreds marched in Dunedin yesterday as part of a nationwide hīkoi, protesting government decisions which they say go against Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Protesters brought flags, signs and poi. Many were adorned with traditional accessories, outfits and temporary tā moko.
The protest was led by Dunedin’s rangatahi (youth), starting in the Queens Gardens and ending in the Octagon for waiata (songs) and speeches.
University of Otago Te Rōpu Māori tumuaki takirua (co-president) Gemella Reynolds-Hatem spoke on behalf of the students at the protest.
She felt "astonished for the fact we have to stand here and march for our rights and protest in 2024".
She had questions for the government.
"Why are you feeding the mouths of the far right when my people are starving, hungry for the equitable rights as your treaty partners?
"Why are you dishonouring te Tiriti, the very document that is meant to protect mine but also your own?"
"Reclaiming our roots from the seeds that are tīpuna planted and our kaumātua watered."
Mana whenua representative Rachel Wesley led the speeches in the Octagon.
"I’m not going to sugar coat it.
"What [the government] are perpetrating against us is colonial violence.
"And it needs to stop now."
Without te Tiriti, the government was "illegitimate".
She closed with words from her pōua (grandfather).
"His kīwaha [saying] is that the best revenge, the best war tactic, is having a better mana.
"I want us to embody that as part of this movement."
Former Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins said the situation was "absolutely absurd".
"We hear a lot from our current government and their supporters about double standards and about special treatment.
"But there’s also an old saying that suggests that every accusation is a confession."
It was not poor choices that led to these poor outcomes. It was a system that systematically failed Māori.
The protest was organised by Dunedin student Māia Lockyer and mana whenua representative Kiringāua Cassidy.
Ms Lockyer had a friend in Te Pāti Māori who asked her to organise the protest.
"It’s been such a empowering day to see so many people come together to recognise our power in unity."
Mr Cassidy said the pair were "really nervous" to lead the protest, but seeing the amount of protesters was "rewarding".
"It’s good to show everyone that we have the capacity."
