Thousands gather as Treaty Principles Bill hīkoi passes through Hastings in rain

At least 3000 people are gathering in central Hastings as the latest stage of the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti begins heading south.

The hīkoi, making its way to Wellington protesting government policies including the Treaty Principles Bill, is due at Parliament on Tuesday.

There's a slight drizzling of rain but that hasn't dampened the crowds spirit as the hīkoi convoy made its way to the rally point from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāti Kahungunu.

Another group of supporters has joined the main convoy, which travelled from Gisborne on Friday.

They are chanting "Treaty Principles Bill Nehua" or "bury the bill".

Hīkoi organisers are encouraging participants to make sure they enrol to vote in the next election.

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi said if supporters were not enrolled to vote, nothing would change.

"We are now 20 percent of the population - we are a million people in this country. That should translate into 19 to 20 seats. We should be determining who the government is every election - that's the strategy. Everybody on the Māori roll."

Delays expected

Police reminded motorists to expect delays and congestion as Hastings prepared to host the hīkoi.

About 10,000 people marched in Rotorua on Friday, and were addressed by Te Pāti co-leader Rawiri Waititi, who said there was strength in numbers.

The lead convoy of about 300 to 400 people moved next to Heretaunga / Hastings, where they spent the night.

The march began at the Hastings clock tower at 10am today.

From Hastings, the hīkoi will continue through Hawkes Bay and into Manawatu - before arriving in Palmerston North this evening.

The hīkoi is expected in Wellington on Monday.