URL TO VIEW IMAGES:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00045.htm

A set of images of today's Hikoi to Parliament. The Hikoi's welcome to Parliament is presently underway. Far from being snubbed at Parliament a large contingent of MPs was present to welcome the Hikoi. Particularly visible were members from the smaller parties, NZ First, ACT and Green. All Labour Maori MPs were also present as was Michael Cullen.

The Hikoi is estimated at over 20,000 people by Radio New Zealand and over 10,000 by police. However it is probably impossible to tell & those on loud hailers were calling it a hundred thousand strong.

I would estimate it is the biggest demonstration in Wellington since the Springbok Tour in 1981 and definitely larger than recent large anti-GE and anti-war mobilisations. Most of those present appeared to be Maori and many large groups had travelled to Wellington from all over the country. There was however also a substantial Pakeha presence and people of all age groups. It was as far as I could see completely peaceful and seemed determined and triumphant in nature.

A participant, who came to the Hikoi from Danniverke, told Scoop there was certainly far more people than she had expected.

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Parliament's Welcome Party

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Meanwhile, across a sea of people a protestor atop Richard Seddon's statute.

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Maniapoto People Approach Parliament (1)

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Maniapoto People Approach Parliament (2)

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A couple wearing Rangitiratanga Flags
(Taranaki Street, near the beginning of the Hikoi.)

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Ngai Tahu Leader Tipene O'Regan

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Ratana And Ringatu Flags

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Young Heralds

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Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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