The momentum for protest is continuing today – with thousands expected at the second national hui for unity at Omāhu Marae.
The hui follows yesterday’s rallies around the country, against Government policies and proposed legislation to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi.
Today, Hawke’s Bay iwi Ngāti Kahungunu will host the Hui Taumata, a summit, in Omāhu, north of Hastings.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will not be at the hui, instead attending to post-Budget commitments in Auckland.
Speaking to Breakfast today, Te Karere reporter Moana Makapelu Lee said the pōwhiri for the event would kick off around 9am.
It was a huge undertaking for Hawke's Bay's Omāhu Marae, Henry McMullen reports. (Source: 1News)
"These national hui have seen iwi leaders, politicians, community members both Māori and non-Māori converge in response to the coalition Government policies — the most concerning one being, for Māori, the proposed legislation to redefine the treaty principles bill."
In January, thousands descended on Tūrangawaewae Marae for the Hui ā-Motu, the first national hui for unity. Grouped with Rātana and Waitangi, the hui taumata is a continuation of a series of events aimed at strengthening Māori unity. Organisers say the hui in Omāhu will focus on identifying solutions.
In a statement earlier this year, Bayden Barber, Ngāti Kahungunu chair, said: "We must come together as an irresistible force that cannot be ignored, no matter who is sitting in government. We must not lose momentum on this important kaupapa. We need to take advantage of the energy and passion that is out there."
Māori organisations such as the National Iwi Chairs Forum, NZ Māori Council, and Māori Womens Welfare League are expected to feature in discussions.
Today, Ngāti Kahungunu was anticipating around 3000, but Makapelu Lee said more were expected.
“For the iwi it is a significant day, the last kotahitanga hui held here at Omāhu Marae would have been in the late 1800s when Kīngi Tāwhiao Pōtatau Te Wherowhero came here to Omāhu Marae, and those ties to the monarchy for this marae have remained ever since.”
Makapelu Lee added: “The main thing Māori are looking for from these hui is a new direction forward. What that might look like has yet to be decided, but there is talk of a Māori parliament or some type of whare where Māori can come together and decide the next steps on how we move forward under this new government and propose legislations.”
For more on the hui at Omāhu Marae, people can tune in to coverage on the Te Karere social media channels, or on the broadcast at 4pm this afternoon.
Glossary
Hui — meeting, gathering
Hui ā-motu — national hui, nationwide hui
Hui taumata — symposium, summit, conference
Kotahitanga — unity, collective action
Whare — house, building
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