Rotorua comes out in force to say NO to asset sales (+video)

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Rotorua locals came out in strong support, in the opposition of the government’s proposed asset sales. The Aotearoa is not for sale hikoi, which arrived last night, gathered this morning after a karakia at the Lake Front.

The group which numbered between 300-400 was a great mix of Maori Party, Mana Movement and Green Party supporters, it also included support from Socialist Aotearoa, and locked out Union members form Tally’s AFFCO.

What was wonderful to see was as the march moved through the streets, people watching from the side joined in, there were groups of Pakeha girls, a team of Pacific Islanders, hair dressing students all happy to join the majestic chorus, that our land is not for sale to the highest bidder and that Aotearoa assets should not be sold when generations of New Zealanders contributed their blood sweet and tears to these lands.

One particularly poignant moment was when a group of primary school rangatahi, greeted the hikoi with a rousing haka (see below):

Speeches were made by different groups at City Focus before a haka was performed outside MP Todd Mclay’s National Office HQ. The hikoi then travelled to the skate park, where they regrouped and are now on their way to Taupo to hikoi through the streets, they will then move on to Turangi to sleep and wananga for the night.

More photos still to come.

9 Comments

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2. 

   janet taiatini

   May 1, 2012 at 1:21 pm

   Kia Ora koutou
   This hikoi is raising the awareness for all people in Aotearoa, and what we need to do next is have a peoples referendum to present to parliament for a change in legislation. That requires 350,000 signatures. OK people.

   Reply
3. 

   Pare

   April 30, 2012 at 2:03 pm

   While our next Generation tamariki are being the Haka welcome host for the Hikoi in our hometown,..Aotearoa is NoT for SALE..Kia Kaha Tamariki ma..show those sheep what your made of..Tama Te Kapua mokopuna o Te Arawa..

   Reply
4. 

   Pare Manahi Paora nee Jonathan

   April 30, 2012 at 12:36 pm

   Oh gee what a neat haka from the local Primary kids,..thanks for the video and photos of our hometown hikoi.. Kia Ora.

   Reply
5. 

   Jo

   April 30, 2012 at 12:27 pm

   Where are all the pakeha kids … oh yeah … at school!

   Reply
   • 

     Andres San Miguel

     April 30, 2012 at 12:49 pm

     learning how to be obedient and sheep

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     • 

       Rawiri Tane

       April 30, 2012 at 8:12 pm

       The only sheep are the people who believe that selling state owned assets to the rich and to overseas multinationals is a good idea. NZ has to learn from the last time the Government sold of state owned assetts it didnt work then and it wont work now.

       Reply
   • 

     Nessa

     April 30, 2012 at 3:57 pm

     Arohamai… I don’t think that’s a very fair comment – there were plenty of “pakeha kids” joining in on the Hikoi – it’s a journey for all of us. Just because you don’t see them in this video, it doesn’t mean they are being “sheep”. The people who are concerned at the government antics come from ALL political backgrounds, ALL walks of life, and ALL socio-economic levels. EVERYONE will be affected by what the government is trying to do, which is why this hikoi is of such importance. Let’s not criticise, especially about our tamariki.

     Reply
   • 

     Meegan Manuka

     April 30, 2012 at 4:27 pm

     Ok, this is not about racism. This is about protecting our freedom. Time to band together and move and speak as one.
     United we stand… divided we are fracked.

     Reply