December 05, 2023
Protest call as parliament opens
Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere says the start of the new Government is a marvellous opportunity for Māori to practice kotahitanga – starting with protests this morning throughout the motu.
He says with the coalition partners seem united on anti-Māori sentiment.
That helps Te Pāti Māori build its movement.
He says the Government wants to unwind the progress of recent years, where Māori have proved they are capable of looking after the needs of their own communities.
“But every time we start to rise and self-manage, ‘oh no, you Māoris can’t manage yourselves, it needs a white man standing over me.’ That’s just not right,” Mr Tamihere says.
Rather than a costly hikoi to parliament, Māori in different centres are planning actions today to mark the start of the new parliament.