Protesters against asset sales rally in Garden Place

Hamilton was the eighth stop in the “Aotearoa Is Not For Sale” nationwide hikoi, for those opposing the partial sell off of some state assets.

After the enormous response from Saturday’s hikoi in Auckland City, the march continued down the country to Hamilton, with an estimated crowd of 700 turning out to support the Waikato-Hauraki district.

“It’s awesome to see such a turnout from the Hamilton area. Everyone is here to March against plans to sell New Zealand’s assets,” said local resident and protester Megan Thompson.

Roads were closed off for the hikoi which started from outside the BP gas station on Ulster Street and ended in Garden Place, where they were greeted by Hamilton residents performing a haka.

Those protesting have said they are opposed to the planned sale of 49 per cent of shares that are in the state owned energy companies, one of which includes Mighty River Power.

‘Mighty River People Power’ were among the groups at the hikoi.

“We are a small group based in Hamilton who oppose asset sales,” said spokesperson Jamie Rolleston.

This group was started by students from Waikato University and is made of different coalitions, some of these are Green Party members and Mana Party members.

The next stop for this hikoi is Rotorua where organisers have said there will be a march to the National Party office building, and then the protest will continue on to Taupo.