Hīkoi to Parliament: Close to 10,000 people march through Hastings

Close to 10,000 people marched on central Hastings and then down State Highway 2 through Hawke’s Bay as the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti gets closer to its goal of Parliament.

Police said there were no significant issues at Saturday’s march or the subsequent drive through Waipawa, Waipukurau and Dannevirke.

Police estimated 9000 people marched on central Hastings. Photo / Davide Conti - @imagesbydavide

The hīkoi, making its way to Wellington while protesting Government policies including the Treaty Principles Bill introduced by Act leader David Seymour, is due to arrive at Parliament on Tuesday.

The march began at the Hastings clocktower on a drizzly Saturday about 10am and had finished by around noon, bolstered by the original group and a convoy from the east coast.

In towns up and down State Highway 2 from Pakipaki to Takapau, locals then greeted the convoy by waving flags on the side of the road as it passed.

Flags were flying high at the protest. Photo / Paul Taylor

Supporters of the convoy greeted those participating on the roadside. Photo / Paul Taylor

The colour of the protest. Photo / Paul Taylor

Young and old came out for the protest. Photo / Paul Taylor