In pictures: Thousands join Budget Day protest hīkoi across Aotearoa

1:18 pm on 30 May 2024

Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Thousands across New Zealand have joined convoys or hīkoi for a National Māori Action Day to coincide with Thursday's Budget announcements.

Three 'carkoi' slowed traffic on Auckland's Southern, Northern, and Western motorways during peak morning commuter time.

In Hamilton, people left their cars at home, instead walking en masse towards Waikato University.

And in Wellington, more than 1000 people gathered at the Railway Station before a hīkoi to Parliament nearby.

Read more: Follow all the latest on the hīkoi with RNZ's live blog

Auckland

More than 1000 people gathered in Auckland's Aotea Square to demonstrate against the government's policies towards Maori.

National Māori Action Day protesters in central Auckland on Budget Day. Photo: RNZ / Jessica Hopkins

Protestors progress down Queen Street as part of a hikoi

Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Christchurch

Hundreds gathered in central Christchurch as part of the nationwide Toitu Te Tiriti protests.

Outside Christchurch's Bridge of Remembrance, organiser Merita Waitoa-Paki told supporters today is about all Maori.

Protestors gather near the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch

Photo: RNZ/Nathan McKinnon

Wellington

Protesters gathered at Wellington Railway Station before marching to Parliament.

Photo: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

Whangārei

A march in Whangārei, escorted by police on foot, occupied one lane of Bank Street for more than a kilometre and caused disruption to central city traffic. Despite that, there was little of the heckling seen in other centres, but many toots of support from passing motorists.

Ngātiwai chairman Aperahama Kerepeti-Edwards brought his four-month-old grandson Tākiri Tū Te Ata, born on the eve of the national gathering at Turangawaewae Marae earlier this year and named in its honour. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf