Crowds gathered in Palmerston North. Photo: Pokere Paewai
A hīkoi against the Treaty Principles Bill will set out for Porirua from Palmerston North on Sunday, on its way to Parliament.
The hīkoi, which began on 11 November at Cape Reinga, has seen thousands of people join on foot, in vehicles and on horseback.
It will reach Parliament on Tuesday and authorities are warning locals to expect traffic congestion and delays to their journeys as it moves towards Wellington.
The Square in central Palmerston North was bursting at the seams with around 5000 people attending a rally.
Palmerston North Deputy Mayor Debi Marshall-Lobb told the crowd the council supported the hīkoi.
From Palmerston North the hīkoi convoy will continue to Levin for another rally and then on to Porirua this evening.
Crowds gathered in Palmerston North. Photo: Pokere Paewai
Crowds gathered in Palmerston North. Photo: Pokere Paewai
The prime minister said he was open to speaking with members of the hikoi when they arrive, but no plans had been made.
Christopher Luxon was at the APEC conference in Peru, due to arrive back in New Zealand on Monday.
World leaders, including Christopher Luxon and Singapore's Lawrence Wong, at APEC 2024 in Lima, Peru. Photo: Jo Moir / RNZ
He said when it comes to the hikoi, he was playing it by ear.
"We haven't made a decision. You know, we'll wait and see, but, you know, I'm very open to meeting with, you know, in some form or another.
"It's obviously building as it walks through the country and gets to Wellington, and we'll just wait and see and, and take it as it comes."
The participants will have a rest day on Monday before marching to Parliament on Tuesday.
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