A crowd of almost 300 gathered at The Hub roundabout on Monday afternoon for a peaceful flag waving in support of the nationwide Toitu te Tiriti action.

With placards and a sea of Tino Rangatiratanga, Te Mana Motuhake o Tūhoe, and Te Kara flags, they made clear their opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill which was passed its first reading last week and opened for submissions yesterday.

The Hub protest was organised for people who were unable to attend but wanted to support the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti, March for the Treaty of Waitangi, which arrived at Parliament grounds in Wellington yesterday morning.

On social media, organiser Ngarangi Chapman said it was an incredible afternoon with a massive turnout.

“Whānau throughout the Whakatāne district from Te Waimana, Ruātoki, Edgecumbe, Te Teko, Matatā and Ōhope - mums, dads, pakeke, rangatahi, tamariki, mokopuna and kaumātua - united under the kaupapa of Toitū Te Tiriti.

“The atmosphere was full of aroha, mana and kotahitanga, as we stood together in solidarity for this important cause.”  Photo Troy Baker E5087-121