KURA in Hikoi for Tamariki
MEDIA RELEASE - Why was Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rotoiti at the HIKOI in Rotorua
25 October 2007

A crowd of over 500 assembled in Rotorua today (25/10/07) to “Hikoi for Justice” in relation to the “Police Armed Offenders invasion of Ruatoki" last week and joining the Hikoi were Tuakana (Senior students) from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rotoiti Te Kura.

“We are here, our tamariki are here as a show of support for the tamariki of Ruatoki” says Tumuaki (Principal) Hawea Vercoe.

“Every week in class we review current events and issues. Last week the tamariki at our Kura were shocked to see all the photos and read all the stories about what had happened to the tamariki in Ruatoki” says Mr Vercoe.

“On hearing the news, during our korerero (discussion) on the topic one student commented “It must have been scary to have the police with guns coming to your house, especially when you are just waking up”. Another student questioned the tactics used by police by asking “If the Police thought there was trouble happening in the bush, why didn't they just go and see the Kaumatua or call a hui at the Marae?”. A very good question indeed, adds Mr Vercoe.

“I have respect for authority and am aware of the difficult role that Police have to play in this day and age. However, living in a “democratic state”, our tamariki also need to know that it is OK to ask questions and stand up for what you know is right especially when you believe that an incident of injustice and discrimination has occurred” explains Mr Vercoe.

“Had the Police taken the advice of a 10 year old student, that is, called a hui with Kaumatua and the iwi before storming the valley, then this whole situation would have been avoided and solutions found” says Mr Vercoe.

“There is a Maori Whakatauki (Proverb) that says “Ko te kai a te rangatira, ko te korero” – (The sustenance of Chiefs is language/communication). I would like every student in my class, and at our Kura to know that if they have any problems and want to change anything, then they need to be prepared to speak up about it, utilize “te kai a te rangatira” (all forms of communication).

“Our tamariki need to be heard because they are our future leaders and I would like to see them lead from the front using the power of their combined voice, as opposed to violence, in order to resolve situations. However they need to be able to do so without the fear of being labeled a “terrorist”.

Our tamariki at our Kura have already experienced success in holding true to their beliefs when we maintained our right to use “KURA” on our buses, and hence their desire to be here today to tautoko (support)” Mr Vercoe concludes .

Any further queries phone Hawea 027 253 7204 or email h.k.vercoe@actrix.gen.nz.

Back to Rotorua Hikoi article.