Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
6 August 2024 – Organisations unite to put children at the centre of government policy
Several organisations in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, deeply concerned about the direction of government policies over a wide range of issues, are joining together for a Hikoi mō ngā Tamariki (March for Children) this Saturday 10 August, from 1pm at Latimer Square.
We’re coming together to stand up for a future that puts children at the centre – ko ngā tamariki te pūtake!
- Stop government attacks on Te Ao Māori, worker and environmental protections and climate action
- End tax cuts for the wealthy and restore our public services
- Condemn the genocide in Gaza and stop playing nuclear war games in the Pacific
A copy of the poster for the event is attached and this has the logos of the groups endorsing the event.
We plan for three marches to go from Latimer Square, via different routes to maximise public engagement, to a rally at the Bridge of Remembrance where speakers from Toitū te tiriti will welcome the crowd and host the rally.
MC at the rally will be Merita Waitoa-Paki from Toitū te tiriti and brief talks will be given by
- Tākuta Ferris – Toitū te tiriti
- Yasser Abdulaal – Palestinian kiwi with close family living in Gaza
- Aurora Garner-Randolph – representing School Strike for Climate and Students for Justice in Palestine at Canterbury University
- Jessica Przychodzko (pronounced shi-hosh-ko) – representing Forest and Bird Youth who will talk about the fast-track bill.
- Keegan Verster and Bronte Fitzhardinge – two school students representing Next Generation Conversations
Street Theatre – Juliet Neill will put Mr Christopher Luxon on trial
- Siana Fitzjohn – speaking for Extinction Rebellion
- Ruth Jones – speaking from the disability sector
- Nancy McShane – Public Service Association delegate in the health sector
- Sara Qasem – Palestinian poet
- John Minto – National Chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
We invite the media to report on this colourful, family-friendly event which has a powerful political message for the government.
Included in the rally will be a “mock trial” of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon who will be represented by a large puppet figure at the Bridge of Remembrance.
There will be plenty of visual stimulation and passionate korero as part of this event.
Issued on behalf of the organising Committee:
Toitū te tiriti
School Strike for Climate
Students for Justice in Palestine
Extinction Rebellion (Rebecca Finch 0212966045)
Climate Liberation Aotearoa
350.org (now Climate Action Aotearoa)
Public Service Association
Next Generation Conversations
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.
