Wellington mayor plans to join treaty hīkoi

A hīkoi is a Māori protest march or journey.

Wellington mayor Justin Lester plans to join a hīkoi calling for the government to honour the Treaty of Waitangi.

The hīkoi will start in the Far North on Waitangi Day, February 6, and will travel to Wellington over the next two months.

Lester said he will join the hīkoi in Wellington on March 21.

“The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding document of our nation,” Lester said.

“It is a promise that the Crown will protect Māori rights and interests.

“But the Treaty has not been honoured by successive governments.

“This hīkoi is an opportunity for us to come together and demand that the government finally honour its obligations to Māori."

The hīkoi is being organised by the Māori Council.

Māori Council chairman Sir Mark Solomon said the hīkoi is a chance for Māori to have their voices heard.

“The Treaty of Waitangi is a sacred document,” Solomon said.

“It is a promise that the Crown will protect Māori rights and interests.

“But the Treaty has not been honoured by successive governments.

“This hīkoi is an opportunity for us to come together and demand that the government finally honour its obligations to Māori."

The hīkoi will pass through many towns and cities on its way to Wellington.

It will be supported by a number of Māori organisations, including the New Zealand Māori Council, the Māori Women’s Welfare League, and the National Māori Authority.

The hīkoi is expected to arrive in Wellington on March 21.

On that day, there will be a rally at Parliament to call on the government to honour the Treaty of Waitangi.