The Long Walk…goes on
The hikoi began in my country, led by a person from my tribe.
Whina Cooper’s aging broad back turns away from the past as she faces the future head on. For her journey she takes her tokotoko for support and her mokopuna lrenee to lead her. The journey on curving road ahead will be tough, rough, steep, lonely and open to negotiation. Invited to lead the land hikoi under her banner Te Roopu o Te Matakite (The group with foresight), Whina’s hopes and dreams of regaining the loss of Maori lands would be realised at last. She gained Wairua by reciting a karakia: “Tangi mai ki a matou e hikoi nei ki te Upoko o te Ika. E moe koutou e moe I roto I te Ariki” (Weep for us (our ancestors) as we walk to Wellington. Sleep and rest in Christ). The Matakite Song she composed for the hikoi provided the rallying call: “Let us unite, people of the four winds. Consolidate all our aspirations. Bind them with love with the power of God’s blessing to benefit all people.”
The hikoi took 30 days. Its numbers increased but troubles began to emerge as rival groups preferred the direct, aggressive approach. Whina regretted the actions of young urban Nga Tama Toa as they railed at Government to make Maori language and culture studies compulsory. She felt the same about the Wellington Maori Organisation for Human Rights who attacked government for delaying land matters since the Maori Affairs Amendment Act of 1967. She was also deeply hurt by the lack of support from the Maori Queen when they passed through Waikato. Over 5,000 marchers approached Parliament steps. Prime Minister Bill Rowling, accepting a 60,000-signature petition, said, “You will find your march is not in vain.”
Whina’s style favoured consultation and dialogue between rangatira and politicians. Efforts to unite the people from the four winds, consolidating their aspirations, and binding them with love to benefit all people were derailed by the radicals wanting action that day. A true rangatira, she would not tolerate the discourtesies that prevailed and returned home.
What is the way of the future? The fighting words of Rewi Maniapoto, Ka whawhai tonu matou ake ake ake? Whina’s consultative approach between rangatira and politicians?
The Right Reverend Muru Walters
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