Crowds applaud anti-Labour message

By RENEE KIRIONA

The general election may be more than a year away but those on the hikoi to Parliament reckon Labour has already lost its Maori votes.

Those marching against the foreshore legislation swore they would see that through after hearing that Tariana Turia had been sacked for refusing to back down on crossing the floor over the proposed law.

About 4000 people marched through Rotorua City yesterday before reaching Rauhoto Marae in Taupo last night.

And all speakers who said it was time for Maori to strip Labour of its seven Maori seats and give their votes to a "for-Maori-by-Maori party" were applauded by the crowd.

The hikoi will make its way through Taupo today.