Hikoi Report from Rotorua

The first group of Te Whanau a Apanui to hikoi is now in Rotorua with fellow Mataatua iwi, and will be joining the "Main Body" from the north on the march to Parliament.

A second group is going down by bus on Tuesday (details to be finalized) and may well have room to pick others up en route.

We huihui again tomorrow to determine vehicles, accomodation etc. Phone 073252773 or 073252005 to liaise.

While consultations continue at the leadership level, the grassroots continues to be proactive. Being one of those iwi fortunate to be able to work their coastline, Te Whanau a Apanui hapu are clear that they will not concede ownership of the taonga bequeathed by their tipuna, whatever gobblygook comes out of Parliament. Warnings have been given the appropriate "authorities" that measures will be taken should the bounds of mutual cooperation be overstepped.

Having been active a dozen years ago in the raruraru over the Sealords fishing deal,including being a partner in the case taken to
the United Nations in 1992, the iwi has a wealth of documentation to go with its stand on Tikanga Maori. The fight has a long way to go for all of us, but every step is a stride in the right direction.