Napier march against coalition Government’s environmental and Treaty policies expected to draw hundreds

Papatūānuku Rising organisers Putaanga Waitoa (left) and Marilyn Scott expect hundreds to attend their Napier march opposing the Government's policies. Photo / Papatūānuku Rising

Organisers of a march in Napier to oppose coalition Government policy’s impact on the environment, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Reo Māori expect to draw hundreds.

Papatūānuku Rising, starting at 1pm in Clive Square on July 28, aims to match the impact of the March For Nature in Auckland last month which drew an estimated crowd of 20,000.

Organiser Marilyn Scott said it would be a whānau-friendly event for people looking for a way to show their support for nature, tangata whenua and a fairer planet.

“The environment is under attack from this coalition Government and its Fast-track Bill in particular and we need to stand together and stand up for nature,” Scott said.

“As well as attacks on nature, people are dismayed by the Government’s numerous attempts to undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Reo Māori.”

Putaanga Waitoa, another organiser, said the march would represent every part of society, particularly whenua, language and mokopuna.

“This kaupapa is mokopuna-focused and powered by the people, advocating for change and Tino Rangatiratanga.”

Attendees will march to the Sound Shell where speakers will include Scott, environmental researcher Wilson Pearse, Nick Ratcliffe from Ceasefire Now HB and Kaiwhakahaere for the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Kerri Nuku.