Full solidarity with the land protectors of Rotokākahi!
The International Socialist Organisation of Aotearoa expresses its unconditional solidarity with the mana whenua of Tūhourangi and Ngati Tūmatawera as they oppose the construction of a sewage pipe through this tapu burial site.
While local whānau, hapū and iwi are connected to the wai and whenua through whakapapa, we extend our solidarity to this cause, bound by our support for tino rangatiratanga and opposition to environmentally dangerous infrastructure shortcuts.
We condemn the actions of the police in arresting and intimidating land protectors. As always, they are acting as the army of the rich. They are imposing the rule of private property and profit, and trampling on the rights of tangata whenua and the environment.
The current pause on construction is a welcome break in aggression, but the hands of state and capital haven’t loosened their grip. If the courts fail to protect whenua and tīpuna, kotahitanga will guide this movement to its next steps, whether that is fundraising legal funds, ongoing occupation, or further confrontation with state force.
Toitū te whenua.
Toitū te wai Māori.
