Update 10/11: All accused have been released on bail.
Flags, drums, banners and a passionate flow of over 700 kaumatua, pakeke, rangatahi and tamariki marched peacefully against the police anti-terror raids which began 15 October.
The procession started at the mall end of Rotorua's city centre at 12.15pm and marched down Tutanekai Street to City Focus where several speakers touched upon the reasons behind the raids and importance of standing firm in support of civil liberties and indigenous rights. Among those who spoke were lawyer Annette Sykes, principal and EBOP
Okurei Maori
councillor, Hawea Vercoe (to read
why Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rotoiti were at the "HIKOI ki Rotorua" click here), veteran activist Bernie Hornfeck and an indigenous brother from North America (who has a Tuhoe wife and children).
The marchers then moved down towards the Rotorua District Court House where several police officers, many of whom were Maori, were standing guard in front of the Court House. One of the many eloquent and articulate organisers of the march posed the following question to those pirihimana, asking, "why do you stand in defence of those who colonised you and not stand with us protecting your communities?"
The protest coincided with today's court hearing which sought to transfer the trial from Rotorua to Auckland. Critics of the move suggest that the goal of shifting the venue is to take Iti away from his peers and as far away from Tuhoe lands as possible.
The Crown successfully applied to transfer the case to Auckland and the three people charged were remanded in custody to appear in court on November 1 and 2. Annette Sykes, Iti's lawyer said they would appear in the High Court at Rotorua on Monday to appeal the transfer by Judge James Rota. From our understanding the bail hearing is taking place 26 October 2007.
Click here to view a short video clip of the Hikoi as it moves down Tutanekai Street:
Click on the following links to view coverage of the Rotorua hikoi from other sources:
Click here on the thumbnails to view larger images of the following photos (these are large photos and a broadband connection is suggested, if you are on dailup email us the photo you would like and we'll pass it on:
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