Hikoi marchers buoyed by Tariana Turia's decision

1.10pm

The spirits of those taking part in the seabed and foreshore hikoi have been lifted by former Government minister Tariana Turia's decision to quit Labour, the hikoi's Rotorua coordinator says.

Participants in the national hikoi, which left Cape Reinga just over a week ago for parliament, were today marching through Taupo.

The hikoi's Rotorua area organiser Kiri Potaka-Dewes said morale was already good with the strong support the hikoi was receiving, but Mrs Turia's announcement yesterday that she would quit the Labour party and stand in a by-election was a "massive lift" for marchers.

She said in the mind of marchers it was clear that Mrs Turia's moves were a precursor to forming a new Maori political party.

"It certainly boosts the morale of the hikoi," she told NZPA.

"People are pleased with the support we are getting and its great news that Tariana Turia has made a decision and a Maori party is definitely on the cards."

Ms Potaka-Dewes said she hoped Mrs Turia would join the hikoi either in her home area of Wanganui, or in Wellington when it neared Parliament.

She said the march would today rally at Taupo's waterfront, before moving on again to Turangi.

The hikoi was in Rotorua yesterday, where Labour's Rotorua electorate MP Steve Chadwick was booed off the podium during her speech.

Mrs Chadwick spoke in front of about 2000 angry Maori and stood by Labour's controversial seabed and foreshore legislation, which will remove the right of Maori to seek ownership over parts of the seabed and foreshore.

Mrs Chadwick made it through about two minutes of her speech, constantly being interrupted by boos and heckling, before saying she could no longer carry on.

She was not the only MP to be sent a clear message by the large crowd.

National's spokesman for Constitutional and Treaty of Waitangi issues Wayne Mapp followed Mrs Chadwick and lasted less than a minute, amid shouts of "you are racist", "get lost" and "arsehole policies".

Dr Mapp said after the attempted speech that he was disappointed with the response he received.

"If people invite you then they should at least hear you. I came down here to have a korero and all I got to say was that National believes in equality."

A speech from former Rotorua Maori Land Court Judge Ken (Heta) Hingston received the biggest cheer from the crowd.

It followed his controversial speech on Anzac Day, when as guest speaker at the dawn service, he criticised the Government's seabed and foreshore intentions.

Judge Hingston said he was overwhelmed by all the people who had turned out to the rally.

"I don't think we have had such unity among our people since the Second World War."

Judge Hingston said the Government's actions in relation to the seabed and foreshore were "unfair".

Senior Sergeant Anna Jackson of Rotorua police said motorists coped well with the extreme traffic congestion the hikoi caused.

- NZPA and DAILY POST (ROTORUA)