On Waitangi Day, New Zealand's coalition government faced silent protests from Indigenous leaders instead of the anticipated vocal dissent. As political leaders celebrated the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, hundreds from the Toitu te Tiriti movement left the grounds in protest. Key figures expressed frustration at the government’s inaction on Maori rights, with Hinerangi Himiona highlighting the emotional weight of the protest, including tears shed for Indigenous children in state care and Maori rights issues. The event featured a poignant symbol of resistance as women donned red blankets adorned with messages of Maori sovereignty.
We are sick of talking to ears that will not listen, and to minds that will not change, leader Eru Kapa-Kingi told the crowd, before they left.
[We] are turning our backs on them, we don't want to listen, we have had enough, Hinerangi Himiona told the Guardian, adding this was the first time in 80 years that this form of protest had been used at the grounds.
There is a lot to cry about, and there is a lot to be angry about - we hope that we represented the mamaetanga [hurt] of our people well, Himiona said.
The women, cloaked in red blankets stitched with messages and symbols of Maori sovereignty, wept quietly as they stood shoulder to shoulder.
Collection
[
|
...
]