Hikoi Panui

Tena koutou.  Tena koutou.  Tena koutou katoa.

Last month, the Government decided that Maori did not need to be represented to the Auckland Super City, despite the recommendations of the Royal Commission that 3 of the proposed 23 seats be allocated to Maori with respect to the Treaty of Waitangi.  This would have been 1 seat for Mana Whenua and 2 seats for Maori electoral roll voters.

This idea was scrapped by PM John Key and MP Rodney Hide, citing no need for racial preference and showing signs of concern that this would start a dangerous precedent throughout the country.

·        At a hui held at Orakei Marae, over 200 people endorsed the proposition that in order to protect Maori representation, we should march.

·        In order to stop the invisibilisation of Maori in Auckland and the denigration of Maori representation, we should march.

·        To show our support for Maori in Auckland pushed aside so that rich celebrities can win all available seats, we should march.

This panui is being sent out to all whanau near and far, to come and support as we head from Rotorua to Auckland to join the march.

When: Bus will depart on Sunday 24 May 2009 at 12 noon from Apumoana Marae, Tarawera Road, Rotorua.  It will stop at the Visitors Centre on Fenton Street, at 12.15pm. We will return Monday evening, following the march.

Also, we will be having a planning meeting this coming Sunday at Apumoana Marae, 11am.  All welcome.

ends