This Saturday, communities from across Tāmaki Makaurau will unite for Toitū Te Aroha, a peaceful rally and hīkoi affirming that hate has no home in Aotearoa.

The gathering is a community-wide response to the increasing harm, fear, intimidation, and exclusion experienced by communities - including migrants, refugees, LGBTQIA+ people, faith groups, and tangata whenua - from extremist groups who misuse faith, culture, or moral authority to intimidate.

Event Details:

· Date & Time: Saturday, 31 January, 11am.

· Start Location: Te Komititanga (Britomart).

· Hīkoi: A peaceful walk to Te Waihorotiu Myers Park.

· Kaupapa: A celebration of identity, community, and collective care. This is our own positive kaupapa, centred in aroha and mana; it is not a counter-protest.

“Haka and culture will not be weaponised. Community comes first. We are walking in aroha and standing in mana for the safety and dignity of all,” says Toitū Te Aroha spokesperson Bianca Ranson. “Our diversity is the source of Aotearoa's strength as a flourishing nation for all. This rally is a celebration of who we are - an opportunity to connect and to learn. Communities will not be intimidated or bullied into the shadows by extremist groups. We stand proud and united in aroha, together".

The event calls on the Government to:

1. Recognise organised harassment as a serious threat and respond decisively.

2. Protect public and community spaces, including schools, libraries, and places of worship.

3. Ensure consequences for leaders and groups who repeatedly target and harass communities.

4. Affirm the right of all communities to exist, gather, and practise their culture and faith safely.

Safety and Logistics:

Organisers emphasise a proactive, community-focused safety approach. A walking bus will depart at 10:30 am from Auckland University’s General Library for those wishing to travel in a group. Please note, a separate anti-immigration protest is scheduled at Victoria Park at 11 am on 31 January, attended by individuals known to harass migrant, faith, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Organisers advise attendees to avoid the Victoria Park area when travelling to Toitū Te Aroha at Te Komititanga, Britomart.

Participants are encouraged to come prepared with water, sunscreen, charged phones, and to travel and leave in pairs or groups. The focus will be on maintaining situational awareness, spreading calm, and upholding the mana of the kaupapa.

“Aotearoa is strongest when difference is met with care, respect, and collective responsibility,” says Bianca Ranson. “We urge Parliament to act decisively to protect our communities, and create a future grounded in dignity and safety.”

All who believe in safe, inclusive communities are welcome to join this peaceful demonstration of unity.

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