Congestion warning as Treaty Principles Bill hīkoi reaches Hastings

A rally and march led by Hīkoi mō te Tiriti will take place in Hastings on Saturday morning.

The hīkoi, making its way to Wellington protesting government policies including the Treaty Principles Bill, is due at Parliament on Tuesday.

The hīkoi convoy will on Saturday make its way to the rally point from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāti Kahungunu.

Another group of supporters has joined the main convoy, which travelled from Gisborne on Friday.

Hīkoi organisers are encouraging participants to make sure they enrol to vote in the next election.

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi said if supporters were not enrolled to vote, nothing would change.

"We are now 20 percent of the population - we are a million people in this country. That should translate into 19 to 20 seats. We should be determining who the government is every election - that's the strategy. Everybody on the Māori roll."

Delays expected

Police reminded drivers to expect delays and congestion as Hastings prepared to host the hīkoi.

About 10,000 people marched in Rotorua on Friday, and were addressed by Te Pāti co-leader Rawiri Waititi, who said there was strength in numbers.

The lead convoy of about 300 to 400 people moved next to Heretaunga / Hastings, where they spent the night.

A march will be held through the town on Saturday morning, beginning at the clock tower at 10am.

The hīkoi will travel to Palmerston North on Saturday evening, and was expected in Wellington on Monday .

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