Hīkoi mō te Tiriti - info from Common Grace Aotearoa
Here are details about prayer meetings before the hīkoi tomorrow, and the gathering point if you wish to walk with Common Grace.
Please check in on this Facebook page in case of updates or changes.
Here's the plan:
7:30-8:30 am - prayer gathering at Elim International Church, 22 Tennyson Street, all welcome.
8:30-8:45 - separate prayer gathering at St Mary of the Angels Church, Boulcott Street. All welcome.
From 8:40am: gathering in Waitangi Park. Our exact meeting point will be the south side (skate park side!) of grassy area. If this area is too full, we will try to meet on the path by the skate park. See map attached. Please check this Facebook page in case we need to update the meeting point on the day.
Approx 10am - mihi whakatau then (perhaps at 10:30) starting walking to Parliament.
12:00-2:30pm rally at Parliament.
How to get there:
Public transport, walk or bike if at all possible. Car parking is likely to be extremely tight. Allow extra time for travel.
What to wear:
Many hikoi participants will wear black, red and white, the colours of the Tino Rangatiratanga flag.
If you are a church leader we encourage you to wear your clergy collar to show the church supports Te Tiriti.
What to bring:
Water bottle (important - long periods out in the sun!), packed lunch, hat and sunscreen.
A sign/placard if you wish.
Safety for kids:
Event organisers have planned to make this a positive, peaceful and child-friendly event (and I will be bringing my daughter!). To maximise safety, write your phone number on your child's hand, and tell them to talk to someone in a reflective vest if they become lost. While the roads we walk on will be closed, do take extra care around carparks and roads that are still open. Note there may be a long time of standing at Waitangi Park (perhaps 9:00-10:30) and at Parliament while people gather and there are speeches (possibly 12:00-2:30). Kids may need an activity to occupy them in that time. There are playgrounds at Waitangi Park and Parliament. During the parliament rally the Anglican Cathedral will be open to provide (1) a quiet space, (2) a space for kids (parent supervision required) and (3) toilets. Feel free to use this space to get a break from the crowd, breastfeed, or do some activities with your kids.