Maori rally paddle power in last foreshore protest

By RENEE KIRIONA


A fleet of waka paddling through the Hauraki Gulf to downtown Auckland is part of plans for a second hikoi against the foreshore legislation.

The October 16 demonstration, which will also involve a march along Queen St, comes as a last attempt by Maori to stop the proposed law.

The organisers, Nga Tai o Te Reinga of Rotorua, have met city council staff and the police to discuss logistics.

They were yet to meet Auckland Harbourmaster John Lee-Richards about their plans to begin the hikoi with a fleet of waka.

Nga Tai o Te Reinga spokesman Te Ururoa Flavell said the purpose of the march was not only to show disgust at the Government's plans to assume ownership of the foreshore which would extinguish Maori claims.

"Even if the Crown still goes ahead and legislates, at least we can tell the next generation that we gave this fight our all."

The fleet of hundreds of waka paddlers from around the country would land on the Tamaki Drive waterfront after a journey from a starting point in the Hauraki Gulf - a journey that could take more than five hours.

"In light of all the incidents involving waka in the past we would expect the various crews to take into account safety regulations," Mr Flavell said.

Mr Richards said he had no problems with the fleet coming into the harbour but wanted to talk with the organisers about safety. Under maritime laws, the waka crews needed to either wear lifejackets or be accompanied by a safety boat.

Senior Sergeant Don Stuart, of Auckland Central police, said he did not envisage the hikoi causing any major problems.

"We'll be setting up rolling road closures but I don't see that causing any huge delays because diversions will be provided and those roads will be opened immediately after the hikoi passes," he said.

"We'll also be bringing in Maori liaison officers throughout the country, including those who worked on the last hikoi."

The event will involve a 5km to 6km march starting at Mayoral Drive and ending at Orakei Marae in Bastion Pt. An estimated 20,000 people converged on Parliament at the end of the earlier hikoi, in May.