February 03, 2014
Hikoi about message not numbers
A hikoi opposing the opening up of far north lands and waters to mineral exploration left Maemaru Marae at Awanui this morning on its way to Kaeo tonight.
The march started with a dawn karakia at Te Rerenga Wairua, Cape Reinga, on Saturday.
Organiser Reuben Taipari Porter says the number of marchers has dropped back now that whanau have to start their children back at school, but the spirit is strong as they head for and Waitangi.
"This is not about numbers. A hikoi is about taking a message and delivering it with strong support. It’s just like election year with a political party. It doesn’t matter the size of a party, it’s what influence your message creates, and that’s what we’re doing we’re keeping the korero alive that from 2004 Maori knew that the Foreshore and Seabed Act was about reducing our relationships, our connections back to the takutai moana. In 2014, we are proven correct when they are allowing oil exploration off Te Reinga," he says.
The hikoi intends to march through Kerikeri tomorrow.
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