Foreshore hikoi tipped to attract thousands

By RENEE KIRIONA


Organisers of the second hikoi against the Foreshore and Seabed Bill are forecasting that thousands of protesters will descend on the streets of Auckland City this morning.

Hikoi2 will deliver the same message that an estimated 25,000 people took to the steps of Parliament in April. Organisers believe it could make a real difference this time.

Te Ururoa Flavell, of the Rotorua group Nga Tai o Te Reinga, which has organised today's hikoi, said it "could have real significance with United Future withdrawing its support from the select committee [studying the legislation] and increasing attention being given to alternative models of ownership".

"It may be possible to exert sufficient political pressure to have the legislation changed or abandoned."

Mr Flavell hopes for a good turnout given the high number of Maori in Auckland and the fact that the march is on a Saturday.

The organisers initially told the Auckland City Council that about 6000 would turn out, but they now predict more.

The hikoi will assemble on Mayoral Drive at 9am then travel via Queen St, Customs St East and Tamaki Drive to Orakei Marae at Bastion Pt.

More than 20 waka will paddle from Okahu Bay to pier three to pick up Maori elders, then travel to Mechanics Bay and back to Okahu Bay.

Hone Harawira, who helped organise the first hikoi, plans to march today.