Te Tiriti o Waitangi is about all of us. It offers everyone an opportunity to work together and share decision-making to look after people and our planet.
We need that visionary foundation for public, community, and health services to effectively care for communities and our shared future. Navigating toward the promise of Te Tiriti is some of the most important work of our time, building on the mahi of generations before us.
But the coalition Government is trying to push back progress through ongoing attacks on Māori rights and wellbeing, and Te Tiriti. The Treaty Principles Bill is an attempt to stray us further from the path of unity by rewriting our past.
PSA members across the motu are supporting the Hīkoi Mō Te Tiriti from 10 to 19 November, organized by Toitū Te Tiriti.
This kaupapa is about showing the kotahitanga of millions supporting Te Tiriti as our future, stopping the Treaty Principles Bill, and continuing the haerenga onward for future generations.
There is a place for everyone to support the hīkoi. Tauiwi (non-Māori) members, Pākehā members, can join thousands of tangata Tiriti taking part.
The best place to go for updates and news is following Toitū Te Tiriti on Facebook and Instagram, or check out their website to subscribe to email updates.
On this page:
You have the right to take part
How you can get involved
Here are some actions you could take to be part of the hīkoi:
- Get ready to attend a local activation as the hīkoi moves from Te Hiku-o-te-ika a Māui to Te Ūpoko-o-te-Ika (from Northland to Wellington).
- Join us on Tuesday November 19 when the hīkoi arrives at Parliament. More details to come.
Finally, check out Together for Te Tiriti for resources to keep learning about He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They have placards and stickers available to order to show your support for a Te Tiriti-based future for Aotearoa.
Local activations
Get ready to attend a local activation as the hīkoi moves from Te Hiku-o-te-ika a Māui to Te Ūpoko-o-te-Ika (from Northland to Wellington).
| Date | Area | Event | Venue | Event time |
| Monday 11 November | Kaitāia | Activation | Orana Motor Inn carpark | 10am |
| Kawakawa | Activation | Old Whangae Rd carpark | 1pm | |
| Tuesday 12 November | Whangārei | Hīkoi and activation | From Kaka Porowini Marae to Laurie Hall Park | 9am |
| Tunatahi | Dargaville | Hīkoi and activation | From Selwyn Park (Dargaville) to Kaipara District Council and back to Selwyn Park. | 1pm | |
| Wednesday 13 November | Takaparawhau | Bastion Point |
Activation |
Bastion Point |
2pm |
| Takaparawhau | Ihumātao |
Activation |
Ihumātao |
2pm | |
| Thursday 14 November | Kirikiriroa | Hamilton | Activation | Garden Place, Hamilton | 11am |
| Friday 15 November | Rotorua | Hīkoi and activation | From Village Green Park to Te Puia carpark. | 10am |
| Saturday 16 November | Heretaunga | Hastings | Hīkoi and activation | From Clock Tower Hastings through town. | 10am |
| Sunday 17 November | Papaiōea | Palmerston North | Hīkoi and activation | From Te Marae o Hine through town. | 10am |
| Ōtaki | Activation | Ōtaki Train Station carpark | 2pm | |
| Tuesday 19 November | Wellington | Hīkoi and activation | From Waitangi Park to Pāremata (Parliament grounds) | 9am |
|
Kotahitanga mō Te Tiriti activation |
Pāremata (Parliament grounds) |
12-2.30pm | ||
| Haukāinga concert, farewell, and karakia | Waitangi Park | 4pm |
You have the right to take part
No matter where you work, you have a right to participate in political and public life, including this hīkoi. This is a democratic right protected under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.
Whether you work for public, health, or community services, the state sector, or local government, you can be publicly active and vocal on causes you believe in when you’re outside of work.
Make sure you're familiar with your employer’s code of conduct so you know what your obligations are. If your employer requires you to be ‘politically neutral’, this only applies to your work. It doesn’t apply to what you do outside of work.
If you work in community- or iwi-based services, your employer might be more open or supportive (for example, encouraging workers to attend certain events as part of your work). Check in with your organiser or delegate if you’re not sure.
Precautions to take if you need to stay ‘politically neutral’ in your work
If you’re acting politically and need to keep it separate from work, you should avoid:
- identifying yourself with your work – including wearing logos, lanyards, or uniforms associated with your work
- taking action during work time – use your lunch break or flexible working so you’re acting in your own time
- giving the impression you’re giving the view of your employer when it’s your own view
- disclosing information from your work that is not public
- using your employer's resources, e.g. email; printer; work-provided devices when interacting with social media posts
- associating your work with personal posts on social media – including professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
Where to get more information
The Community Law website has more information about your right to protest under the Bill of Rights Act.
If you work for a public service agency, your rights are also codified in the Public Service Act 2020. The Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission website contains guidelines you may find useful.
If you need any further advice, contact your PSA delegate or organiser.
