Waitangi hīkoi keeps US in mind as it fights for rights of next generation

Fighting for the rights of the next generation is the focus of this year’s hīkoi to Waitangi led by Northland Māori.

Marching under the kaupapa of Mana Mokopuna, the hīkoi starts at Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Rēinga) on Sunday and will arrive at Waitangi on Friday.

Organiser Rueben Taipari said it was more important than ever to stand up for people’s rights and he worried about the world rangatahi will inherit.

“After all these years we’re still fighting to address the rights of our children and grandchildren, who are sleeping outside, have massive debts, no decent income and facing persecution as general delinquents.”

Taipari said the hīkoi was about protesting the likes of Stop Co-Governance, the quashed Treaty Principles Bill and the Regulatory Standards Act, which was passed into law last year.

But the hīkoi also looks further afield than New Zealand, reflecting on the situation in the United States where two Americans were shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis.

People from New York and Hawaii, plus parts of Asia and Africa, will join the hīkoi, united in the stand for sovereignty, Taipari said.

He was unsure how many people would join the march, saying he never cared about the numbers but more about the impact.

A massive hīkoi in 2024, joined by about 1000, did nothing to sway the coalition Government, Taipari said.

This year’s march has plenty of potential, he said.

Rueben Taipari, pictured left as last year's hīkoi reached Waitangi, says this year's march will also include the next generation. Photo / NZME

“It’s got huge potential - we’ve got some heartened young people putting their names forward to participate.

“I feel we’ve got a very strong future of activism coming through them.”

Taipari hoped the hīkoi would not only send a message to Government but would be an example to the next generation about the importance of standing up for their rights.

Hīkoi stops in Northland towns

The Mana Mokopuna hīkoi will stop in Northland towns as it heads from Te Rerenga Wairua to Waitangi.

The schedule is:

• Sunday February 1, leave Te Rerenga Wairua, 11am.
• Monday, February 2, Kaitāia 11am.
• Tuesday, February 3, Kāeo, 11am.
• Wednesday, February 4, Kororipo Pā, Kerikeri, 11am.
• Thursday, February 5, Paihia.
• Friday, February 6, Waitangi Whare Rūananga, 11am.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.