The Chief Māori Warden for Porirua says Tuesday’s Toitū Te Tiriti Parliament activation was marvellous, inspiring whānau to discuss voting.
Māori Wardens, alongside police and volunteers, helped manage the estimated 40,000-plus people who gathered on the steps of Parliament.
Heniaka August, a recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal for her mahi with the Ngāti Toa Māori Warden branch, says the experience was an eye-opener for her mokopuna and youngest son, who participated in the hīkoi and learned about Parliament’s workings.
“I came back and I had a discussion with them, and I said to them, “Who’s on the Māori role, and who isn’t?” And my baby turned around and said, “Mum, I’m on the general roll, but I’m going to change over to the Māori roll.” So that made me really, really happy,” says August.
