An open letter of solidarity to students of Freyberg High School facing disciplinary processes after a haka protest at ACT leader David Seymour has been signed by thousands of people across the country.
Seymour was visiting the Palmerston North school in his capacity as Associate Education Minister last week when he was faced off with a haka as he went to leave. One student holding a tino rangitiratanga flag spat at the ground near Seymour's feet.
Principal Graeme Williams described some student's behaviour as "totally unacceptable" and "contrary to the values and high standards we hold ourselves to."
"Upholding the mana of our young people recognises the reality of their world but also that we must respect and uphold the dignity of each other and all guests at our kura/school."
More than 7500 people have signed a live document in support of the students, including singer Ria Hall and psychiatrist Hinemoa Elder.
The online letter was set up anonymously and the first to sign was advocate, author and researcher Tina Ngata.
The letter, addressed to mokopuna Māori at Freyberg, began by acknowledging signatories' "deep pride, aroha and gratitude" towards students.
"When you stood up to power last Friday, you did not stand alone," it read.
The letter went on to praise students for leadership and honouring tikanga by standing with "every hungry child in this nation, and every worried Māori parent."
"Your stand has come with a price, and we also want to say: that price is unjust. It is colonial, it is biased, and it is designed to keep you down."
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