This live coverage of the hīkoi protesting a controversial bill that could drastically alter the way the country’s founding treaty between Māori and the crown is interpreted is ending now, thanks for following along.
You can read the full story from the Guardian’s New Zealand correspondent, Eva Corlett, here.
Here is a gallery of the best pictures from the day:
As the hīkoi began to slowly disperse, people spoke to the Guardian about the importance of the day.
“I couldn’t stay away,” Rahiri said, who is of Māori, Croatian and Irish descent.
“Seymour wants to rewrite our history and kick us off our own table, and all we have really asked for is a seat back at our own table.”
Rahiri likened the current struggle to past Māori rights movements, including the historic hīkoi to parliament in 2004, over the Foreshore and Seabed Act. “I was here as a three year old in 2004 telling the [government] to bugger off and here I am again 20 years later.”
Rahiri said the day was “magical” and one day, he would be telling his grandchildren he was here.
