On 19th November, my mum, Lina and I went to protest in Wellington. We went on the ferry and arrived in Wellington in the morning. On the ferry were some of our family. We were representing Ngāti Kuia, which is our iwi. 

We started the hīkoi at the Wellington ferry terminal and walked to the city, where everyone else was gathered. There were so many people old, young, and kids walking down the street. We were at the back of the crowd. There were police blocking off the roads to allow us to protest for our rights. We walked to Parliament where the government is.

People in the crowd did waiata and haka.  It was so cool to be part of the experience. Some people from other cultures were also there to support Māori rights. There were lots of Māori flags up and some posters and signs. Some flags were in cars that were part of the protest. People in cars were beeping at us to show support. There were also some cars with speakers that were playing Māori songs. I have never experienced so many people in one place before. 

I have done a protest before when my mum, my sister and I went to Nelson to protest for young nurses’ rights. I would like to be part of a protest like this again.