Land March Reflection

 Hikoi Land March

Hikoi Land March Reflection

14 September, 1975 there was a protest about the loss and greed of Maori land being taken. An old kuia, Whaea Dame Whina Cooper, mother of two, had raised concerns about this. As she marched she repetitively said, “Not one acre more,”. There were thousands that took part, along with hundreds of thousands on the sideline to support. There was over 95% of land stolen and regained. There were many more challenges along the way but they managed to win the fight. 

Te Roopu O Matakite, those with foresight, were powerful and fought together in unison. They gave in their careers/jobs to support Whina’s statement. They had made two taonga, the Memorial Of Rights and Te Pou Whenua. Every stop they took it was to sign the memorial of rights. All kau matua and kuia of the maraes they stopped at gathered and signed the memorial. 

After Matakite arrived at the Parliament in Wellington, they presented the Memorial to the PM, who was Bill Rolling at the time, and when he read it through he acknowledged and accepted the request. No one could have had as much mana as Whaea Whina. The courage, the confidence and the passion to stand up for her people. No one could have done a better job.