Thousands of people have joined Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti as they head south to Pāremata (Parliament) in Pōneke.
Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

From the mist-shrouded peaks of Te Rerenga Wairua to the geothermal steam plumes of Rotorua, Hīkoi mō te Tiriti have swept across Aotearoa, growing from hundreds to thousands in just a few days.

Echoing the protests of the past, the demonstrators are retracing their steps as Dame Whina Cooper as they call for a future that honors Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Kaihaka leads Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti through Rotorua.
Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell

Across the motu, tamariki were seen in large numbers wearing their tino rangatiratanga colours. Some stand proudly on the shoulders of their whānau, others hum and sing as they go.

As many organizers and participants have said, the march is as much about the future as it is about the past – tamariki are not just participants, but the future bearers of kaupapa.

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Since setting off on November 11, tens of thousands of people have joined the convoy from the south, demonstrating their opposition to the coalition government’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill and other policies impacting Maori.

A variety of signs can be seen as the convoy makes its way through the main streets of each town.

These signs reflect the wide range of concerns that have drawn many to hīkoi – from land rights and language preservation to sovereignty and self-determination.

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

At every stage of the journey, the emotional energy was clear, with karanga de kuia, powerful haka, waiata and songs reverberating across the whenua.

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

As diverse crowds gather at the hīkoi, participants not only march, but also celebrate kotahitanga, with kanikani and waiata at every stop.

Free kai and water are provided to participants along the way to ensure they are well hydrated for the long hīkoi ahead.

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

As commuters pass along the road, tino rangatiratanga flags fly proudly and supportive horns accompany the march.

Tamariki can be seen throwing “mana waves” and cheers as the convoy passes through.

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

At each stop, hīkoi drew parallels to past struggles.

On the third day of Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti, when the convoy crossed the Auckland Harbor Bridgethe sight of thousands of people walking in solidarity – young and old, strollers and wheelchairs moving side by side – moved onlookers, many visibly moved as they shouted and waved.

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

A significant moment was the stop at Ihumātaoa site that in recent years has become a symbol of resistance and unity.

The land at Ihumātao has been occupied by protesters who have opposed the development of the land for years – with little progress made.

Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

In Kirikiriroa, Hamilton, tino rangatiratanga flags could be seen stretching for kilometres, and as the hīkoi continue south, the number of supporters grows, with the crowds that rule the streets and join as they advance.

Overall, the wairua of the participants was high, with cultural pride in the foreground.

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Despite the steady rain in Rotorua, thousands remained undeterred, marching on and gathering a hīkoi of over 10,000.

A troop of horses joined the hīkoi, with tamariki accompanying their whānau on horseback, earning cheers from those watching from the streets.

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Māori rights activist Tāme Iti joined the march, marking another chapter in his long history of activism.

Since the 1960s, Iti has been at the forefront of major protest movements, including opposing the Vietnam War, apartheid in South Africa, and supporting the Māori language and land rights through groups such as Ngā Tamatoa.

He played a key role in the Maori Language Movement, the Maori Revival and the protests against the 1981 Springbok Tour.

Photo: RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

The marchers’ journey is far from over, with many kilometers still to go.

Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti will officially end on November 19 in Waitangi Park, where thousands of people are expected to march to the steps of Parliament.

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