A Guide for Tangata Tiriti Participation in the Hīkoi

The Hīkoi arrived in Te Whanganui a Tara, on Tuesday 19th November and showcased a deep and broad rejection of the Treaty Principles Bill by people from across Aotearoa.

Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti are joining in kotahitanga (unity) to send a clear message, Toitū Te Tiriti. The immediate call is to stop the Treaty Principles Bill, and the raft of anti-Te Tiriti legislation that undermines our shared relationship.

Hīkoi is for anyone that believes Te Tiriti o Waitangi offers a blueprint for a peaceful and just Aotearoa. If you are tangata tiriti, have a read of the guidelines below, to make sure your participation is supportive of this kaupapa.

Respect Mana Whenua Leadership

The final stage of the hīkoi is guided by the mana whenua of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). It is therefore important to follow their direction at all times. This is about amplifying their voices and respecting local tikanga.
Operate under the korowai of Te Kahu o Te Raukura (the cloak of peace), ensuring that your actions and words reflect peace, kotahitanga, and aroha.

Understand the Purpose of the Hīkoi

The hīkoi is a peaceful march across the city to demonstrate how many people support Te Tiriti o Waitangi and why Te Tiriti is for everybody.
Acknowledge that this is a space to challenge the harms of colonisation and work towardsa Te Tiriti-based future, where Māori sovereignty and rights are upheld.

Be a Supportive Ally

Your role is to actively support the hīkoi by prioritising the messages of mana whenua and the concept of Toitū Te Tiriti. Share and reinforce these messages rather than promoting your own. Amplify Māori voices rather than speaking over them.
Show hospitality and care by helping with tasks when/if needed, such as providing waterand food.

Communicate in a Positive, Peaceful Manner

Avoid using inflammatory or divisive language. Focus on kotahitanga and peaceful messaging.
Engage respectfully with others and avoid personal attacks, even when engaging in challenging conversations.
If there are any tensions or incidents, keep calm and try to de-escalate peacefully where possible, always prioritising the values of Te Kahu o Te Raukura.

Bring Practical Support

If possible, be self-sufficient by bringing items such as water, sunscreen, and snacks to support yourself and others.
Ensure your attire is weather and hīkoi-appropriate for the day.
Care for te taiao – respect and protect the environment, ensuring you take your rubbish and leave the space as you found it.

Respect Privacy

Conversations and information shared during the hīkoi may be sensitive. Respect the privacy of those you meet and do not share their information without consent.

Glossary

Tangata Tiriti – Non-Māori people living in Aotearoa New Zealand who uphold and respect Te
Tiriti o Waitangi.
Toitū Te Tiriti – The concept of upholding and protecting the integrity of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Hīkoi – March or walk, often used in the context of a protest or movement for a cause.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi – One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding documents; signed by many
Māori and the British Crown in 1840.
Tino rangatiratanga/Māori Sovereignty – The principle of Māori self-determination and authority as recognised by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Mana Whenua – People with authority over land and territory, traditionally the local Māori tribal
group or iwi.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Māori name for Wellington.
Tikanga – Customs, protocols, and cultural practices followed by Māori.
Korowai – Cloak; used symbolically here to represent protection or a guiding principle.
Te Kahu o Te Raukura – The cloak of peace, a guiding value for the hīkoi that represents
peaceful and respectful conduct.
Kotahitanga – Unity, togetherness, collective action.
Te Taiao – The natural environment; encompasses all living things, ecosystems, and the
interconnectedness of nature.