Vivian Hutchinson: the Māori Land March

Vivian Hutchinson at the Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth Photo: Graham Lindup

The Māori Land March on 13 October 1975 marked or triggered a seismic shift in political consciousness in New Zealand. The suggestion for it came from a 19 year old Pākehā, Vivian Hutchinson. Now he is a community activitist and social entrepreneur based in Taranaki.

Vivian has contributed to the National Library's exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of the march Not One More Acre.

He tells Kim Hill how he came to meet Dame Whina Cooper in 1975.

Gallery: The 1975 Land March

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of these images.

Whina Cooper addressing Maori Land March at Hamilton. By Christian Heinegg Courtesy of Alexander Turnbull Library Ref: PA7-15-18

A rest stop for lunch in Northland, September 1975. Photograph by Christian Heinegg Courtesy of Alexander Turnbull Library

Photograph of Maori Land March outside the Parliament Buildings in Wellington 13 October 1975. By Christian Heinegg Courtesy of Alexander Turnbull Library Ref: PA7-15-12

Māori Maori Land March at Parliament Grounds 13 October 1975. Cyril Chapman holds the pouwhenua. Photograph by Christian Heinegg