File image of a hikoi which marched to Parliament last year
A two-week long hikoi protesting against asset sales, privatisation, overseas land sales and the Transpacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) will begin today in Cape Reinga.
The ‘Aotearoa is Not For Sale’ hikoi aims to reach Wellington on Friday, May 4, after stopping in several North Island towns.
Its progress through Auckland on Saturday will coincide with a public demonstration at Britomart on Queen St, which organisers expect over 10,000 people to attend.
The hikoi, which is open to everyone, “is about standing up and sending a clear message to the Government that we, our land, what’s under our land and what’s been built on our land, is not for sale”, organisers say.
Organisers have also criticised the Government’s consultation processes, saying they “don’t believe they have any integrity”, and say the majority of New Zealanders don’t support privatisation of the country’s assets, natural resources, land and public services.
Saturday’s demonstration is a “family-friendly march” which will assemble outside Britomart in central Auckland at 3pm, then march up Queen St to Aotea Square. It will be followed by speakers and musical entertainment.
A one-week series of activities and demonstrations will take place after the hikoi arrives in Wellington.
Another article, with more quotes, can be found here
Listen to a radio clip about it here