Thousands of people joined the hīkoi mō te Tiriti, a march spanning Aotearoa, to protest against the Treaty Principles Bill and government policies affecting Māori. Their journey over the Auckland Harbour Bridge was a striking show of unity and strength.

Some reporters described the bridge moving under the weight of the crowd as marchers made their way to the Westhaven side. Commuters were warned of closures: two outer northbound lanes were shut down from 8:30 AM, reopening around 11 AM, along with some ramps. Waka Kotahi announced that by noon, all bridge lanes were open again, though travel delays continued as traffic adjusted.

The hīkoi proceeded to Ōkahu Bay and Takaparawhau (Bastion Point), where more events awaited.

Christine Selwyn of Auckland joined with a photo of her late mother, Maudie, a Parkinson’s victim. She felt her mother would be marching, angered by the proposed bill. “She’s laughing at Parliament,” Selwyn said, holding the portrait.

Across the country, parallel events took place, including a gathering at Christchurch’s Bridge of Remembrance.

The march was led across the bridge by Rawiri Waititi and Aperahama Edwards, met by cheers and applause. Participants carried flags, displayed signs, and brought their voices in support of Māori rights and sovereignty.

Zekhethelo Phakathi, a South African-born Kiwi, joined to support Māori rights. Having lived through apartheid, she expressed pride in standing for equality and future generations.

At Ōkahu Bay, crowds eagerly awaited the arrival of the convoy for further rallies and a pōwhiri hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei at Bastion Point. Hīkoi organiser Eru Kapa-Kingi expressed gratitude to the crowd, proud of the march’s progress and their collective strength.

Shona Piri, another marcher, held a framed copy of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, reminding everyone of the historical struggle for Māori rights and mana. Tears and cheers marked the hīkoi’s journey through the city, as thousands carried their message with pride and hope.-TIN Bureau