We don’t need permission to #ProtectOurWhakapapa.
We don’t need permission to #ProtectOurWhakapapa. Government is suggesting that we can “legalise” our iwi checkpoints by bringing them under the Māori Wardens. We LOVE and support the mahi and the kaupapa of the Māori wardens. But we don’t need the government stepping in paternally and dictating how they can “allow” us to do what is already our right. Our iwi checkpoints have been one of the success stories of this pandemic. That’s been globally acknowledged. We stood, we claimed our right, and we exercised our mana motuhake. So… Ārai tū (Stand up and protect), Ārai niu (Protect and be tall), Ārai Mārire (Do it no matter what).