Young Maori on the march to learn protest, politics

A hikoi aimed at educating a new generation of Maori activists is marching on Waitangi.

About 30 young Maori left Rerenga Wairua, near Cape Reinga, yesterday and numbers are expected to swell to the hundreds when the group is joined by others leaving Ahipara today and Whangarei tomorrow.

Hikoi organiser Rueben Porter said the march aimed to involve rangitahi (young people) in the political and protest movements. "This is an important year - we need to be making informed decisions.

"This hikoi is for rangitahi alone, to see what they can come up with."

Mr Porter said that in the past young Maori had relied on veteran activists such as Mike Smith and Hone Harawira, who "can't be left alone to take up the banner".

"We need a new generation of courageous visionaries to pick up the ball."

He said young people must know about the Treaty of Waitangi and growing Maori political movements.

"The Treaty of Waitangi is a treaty of partnership - we need to get involved in the decisions of this country, understand the details of the foreshore and seabed debate."

The march was also prompted by a sense of being left out of decisions that affect all Maori, said Mr Porter.

"We have been set on different sides of the fence to the taumata kaumatua [Ngapuhi elders] and the activists. That must change."

He said how the hikoi expressed its views would be decided during the march. "If the people want a peaceful demonstration, that is what we will do.

"If it is decided there will be a demonstration of force, who's to say it won't happen?

"There will be very passionate people involved.

"We won't tell people what they can and can't do - we get enough of that from the Government."

Mr Porter said the march was also designed to show a unified face in Te Tai Tokerau.

Green MPs Sue Bradford, Nandor Tanczos and Metiria Turei are expected to join the march.