Things came to a stop in Wellington CBD on Tuesday as te Hīkoi mō te Tiriti came to town on the final leg of the journey to Parliament. The hīkoi (a walk or march) had started in Northland and wound its way down the North Island, ending in Wellington. As I mentioned on Monday, some of you may well be aware of some of the issues being raised in Parliament at the moment. The Treaty Principles Bill attracted international attention after the haka led by Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke went viral, but there is a lot behind her actions.
Rather than explain things, probably badly, here are some links you can follow to learn more:
- CNN’s view which explains the basics quite well.
- Yesterday evening on Radio New Zealand
- Foreign media reaction (there was even a small demonstration outside the New Zealand High Commission in London)
- After the hikoi
Instead, here are pictures I took from above and on the street.



The video below gives a better idea – hope you can play it.
It was an amazing thing to see and experience, peaceful, calm and hopefully got the point across of what people think.


I found this banner amusing – the Prime Minister is Christopher Luxon. The second video was taken at street level.


The final picture was taken by Karl from an upper floor in the building he works in, looking down on the crowds gathering at the Beehive (Parliament).

Entered in Wednesday’s Words and Whimsy hosted by Sue and Deb.
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer, good food and pretends to garden.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis.
Awesome pictures!
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Thanks!
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Hello Barbara, I don’t have a problem with people having their point of view. I don’t like when people feel the need to share their opinion in a violent way. I will always switch off listening to them when that happens I do like that this walk which is so important was conducted in a peaceful and calm manner. Great photos and thanks for sharing with us at #WWWhimsy. Have a lovely week, Sue L #TeamWWWhimsy xx
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It was amazing…people of all ages, colours and creeds. Just a big gathering that came together to express their view. Only one arrest. A great day for Aotearoa.
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we could learn a lesson from this in Australia x
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I have to say it’s making the news here but with a certain uncomfortableness given how we had our recent referendum that didn’t get up. I think a lot of No voters are perhaps reflecting on themselves when they see all the support over there.
On my recent trip, you guys made it all look so easy, so it’s interesting this has sort of flared up now.
I hope you keep leading the way in these matters. Great pics
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Te Tiriti is a founding document of NZ and an agreement between the Crown and Maori so very important.
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Certain voices in Parliament are stirring things up….
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What an enormous crowd – you have captured these scenes very well.
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Thanks Anne – a bit tricky but I did my best with my trusty iPhone.
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Wow, great photos and insights Barbara! Thanks for sharing with us for #WWWhimsy.
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Wowsah, what a crowd! Gave me the shivers, in a good way, and brought tears to my eyes. Fantastic pictures, Barbara.
I read the CNN article and came upon this: “The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced by David Seymour, leader of the right-wing ACT New Zealand Party, which is a junior coalition partner with the ruling National and New Zealand First parties.” Doesn’t that just figure? Goes right along with our loathsome America First parties.
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Thanks Laurie – yes you are so right about the politics of it all. It was wonderful to see so many people come out, of all colours, creeds and ethnicity.
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What an amazing show of strength! I read your links because I had no idea what was going on, thank you for that.
I think right now, the world feels upside down, no matter the hemisphere.
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It was amazing to see – people joining in for a short stretch, showing support, walking all the way, different communities….
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Thank you for sharing this barb with the photos and links. Fascinating read!
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It was quite something to see a bit of history unfold.
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I have been following the news so had a rough idea what it was all about but the CNN link makes it much clearer. Great pictures of a historic event.
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It was quite something to see.
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I had read about this march so it was good to see your pictures of it. The whole affair from this distance seems to be a classic example of right wing mischief making for no other reason than to make mischief. It is depressing though the reaction is cheering.
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I think you have hit the nail on the head – mischief making.
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The pictures and video capture a peaceful demonstration. Then I went down a rabbit hole to learn more.. thanks for all the links.
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Thanks! We live in interesting times!
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Interesting but a bit chaotic.
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Great write up and photos!
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I think the Maori people could teach the rest of the world how to protest! What an incredible experience, doing this in such a calm and non violent way. I sincerely hope they achieve what they want!
Hugs
Suzy x
http://www.suzyturner.com
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Wow! On the street coverage!
We had a friend from Wellington visit us in Singapore last week, and he was updating us on this issue.
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Yes it was quite something.
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