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Hikoi about to swamp Auckland

25/05/2009 10:00:39

The hikoi against Auckland becoming a super city has taken to the motorway.

Protestors have gathered at the north, east, west and south of the central business district. They plan to merge together later this morning to march up Queen St and rally outside the Town Hall.

Kowhai Olsen is leading a convoy of some 30 cars and two buses heading in from South Auckland. They are planning to descend on the Auckland Domain and head from there into Queen Street on foot around 10.30am.

Anti super city protesters at Auckland's Bastion Point are waiting for reinforcements from Rotorua. Two buses carrying some 120 protesters are expected to join them. Some 250 people are already gathered, they're carrying signs reading 'it's not about race' and 'Rodney don't hide us'.

The group plans to leave on foot, walking along Tamaki Dr and Quay St into the CBD.

Those in the very south of Auckland say they are fighting to save Papakura from being swallowed up in the super city. A group of around 80 people gathered earlier this morning at Red Hill Pa for a prayer service. Mayor Calum Penrose says their city has a distinct identity and does not want to be swallowed up by greater Auckland.

Manukau mayor Len Brown is angry, many issues are being ignored in Auckland's super city proposal. He says the at-large seats are a continuing nonsense, that are being supported by the Royal Commission and the Government.

Mr Brown believes ward representation would bring the community together. He says it would ensure democratic representation and a stronger likelihood of ethnic representation. Mr Brown says Aucklanders should march in the hikoi to support Maori representation and to ensure the super city works.

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