Hīkoi mō te Tiriti: Cook Islands, Niue in powerful show of solidarity

Hundreds of people gathered in the Cook Islands and Niue this week to support the March for the Treaty.

As thousands marched to the New Zealand Parliament, a sense of unity and solidarity was felt among supporters of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti who assembled in Rarotonga and Alofi.

Cook Islands organiser Chiavanni Le'Mon said the community was overwhelmed with a'roa, or love, after seeing viral clips of the protest online.

She says Cook Islanders and New Zealand Māori share 'deep genealogical connections' and supporting their Maori whānau is the right thing to do.

“It was in the best interest of us to stand in solidarity with Tangata whenua and Aotearoa, our whanau in Aotearoa.

“We support their efforts to protect the integrity of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and demonstrate unity as indigenous people across the Pacific and stand together against the erosion of our rights, our mana and cultural sovereignty.”

Crowds assemble outside the Ministry of Justice House in Avarua, Rarotonga. Photo/ Facebook

Community member Ana Tiraa said the hīkoi in Aotearoa would create a “ripple effect” across the Pacific.

“This will have a ripple effect on indigenous rights all over the Pacific.”Tiraa explaining her purpose of joining the hīkoi in Rarotonga.’’

Hikoi gathers in Niue

Niue Community assemble on Alofi Wharf. Photo/Facebook

The support for the hīkoi was not limited to the Cook Islands.

Its neighbour, Niue, also held a hīkoi on Friday last week in a powerful show of solidarity.

Organiser Moana Makapelu Lee took to social media to express her gratitude to supporters.

“So awesome to see our Tangata Niue supporting Tangata Whenua Aotearoa from across the moana, with a hīkoi down to the Alofi Wharf.

"When it comes to issues that affect our people in the Pacific we feel it across our moana. Standing up for Tiriti means standing up for all Te Moana Niu-a-Kiwa rights and this was Niue's way of showing solidarity.

“We see you from across the ocean. We hear the waves. United, we stand. Toitu Te Tiriti.”

Niue Community assemble on Alofi Wharf. Photo/Facebook