The seabed and foreshore hikoi

I was at Parliament House to see the hikoi arrive — a protest by Māori people and their Pākehā supporters against legislation that will extinguish Māori rights over the foreshore and seabed.

The hikoi (journey) began in the far north of the country, and progressed south to Wellington, gathering representatives of iwi (tribal groups) as it went. 15,000 people marched on Parliament House in Wellington, some in traditional dress, carrying flags and banners, singing and dancing. The atmosphere was solemn, joyful, good-humoured.

This is autumn in Wellington — overcast sky, some showers, southerly gales fresh from Antarctica. I was glad of my beanie, jersey (jumper) and hooded raincoat.

Taken 5 May 2004. Filed under people. Click the photo to go to the previous photo.

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