GE FREE LAND MARCH
Media Update 3/10/01, 16:00

GE Free Hikoi on the road for Auckland, as support for land-march grows

The GE Free Land March went into its third day today, and organisers say they are overwhelmed by the support they have been given from the very first step.

The 50 odd strong group started in Whakapara this morning towards Whangarei. On their way they stopped at Kamo school to talk to students and a local Kindergarten provided lunch.

In Whangarei the Hikoi was formally welcomed by the Ngati Wai Trust who presented a whale bone carving to the marchers to take to Wellington.

“The public support has been huge. People contribute in many different ways, some join the march, some donate food or accommodate us.” says organiser Kei Munro.

When the Hikoi left town to head to Kaiwaka, the numbers on the march had almost doubled.

“It’s good to see many young people on the march, too” says Jim Gladwin, one of the organisers. “There are a couple of teenagers here from West Auckland who have never been involved in any sort of activism, but they’ve marched every single meter, and are really determined.“

The Hikoi will stay at Kohanga Gardens in Kaiwaka for the night.

The Path of the Hikoi
On Thursday, October 4th the Hikoi will go from Kaiwaka to Wellsford where it leaves SH 1 and turns west on to SH 16 to arrive at Kaukapakapa in the evening.

On Friday, October 5th the march heads back to SH1 and then south through Albany (10 a.m.), Takapuna (1 p.m.) and on to Devonport (3 p.m).
Here the Tohu will be carried across the harbour by the Pupuke Moana Club. The Waka flotilla will be leaving Devonport at 3 p.m. and arrive at the Viaduct Basin at 4 p.m.

On Saturday, October 6th, the National Day of Action of the GE Free movement, the Hikoi will march from QE II Square at 11 a.m. to join the wrapping of the Town Hall at noon.

On October 7th the GE Free Land March will continue south via Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo, Palmerston North to Wellington.

Contact in Auckland (09) 361 2520, mgraf@ihug.co.nz or 025 604 5872 to contact the Hikoi directly.

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