The spokesperson and organiser of yesterday’s Toitū Te Tiriti Parliament activation remains in awe of the estimated 40,000-plus people who attended.
Eru Kapa-Kingi says the activation was a “mana-festation” of what it means to be Māori and to stand proudly in that identity.
He says he is merely a spokesperson, and acknowledges the ringawera, kaumātua, rangatira, and those who began with them in Te Tai Tokerau as the true champions.
They upheld the kaupapa and tikanga of the hīkoi.
“Yeah, it was absolutely necessary, we have our philosophies and our tikanga that we abide by to keep ourselves safe, and expert practitioners in those fields. And so much aroha, so much pride heoi anō tēnā tātou e mihinui ana,” says Kapa-Kingi.
