Media release
Being Pakeha - Not in our name

23 April 2004

This weekend a group of local Pakeha Nelsonians are gathering to re-enact past thefts of land from Maori.

On Tahunanui Beach, a group of locals, keen to honour their place as Treaty partners will take sand from the beach in recognition of past thefts of land from Maori.

The event is taking place to coincide with the Hikoi that started this week in the North Island in protest at the Government’s proposed seabed and foreshore legislation.

Anne FitzSimon, who was part of the group that called for a local event in support of the Hikoi, commented: "Each grain of sand that we take from the beach represents the individuals that make up Aotearoa. Each has a cultural history and story of how they arrived in Aotearoa and became part of the partnership that honours our Treaty, our Land, our People. We are urging those who support our cause to join with us in returning the sand to its rightful place".

To take the sand back, a walk is planned for Saturday May 1st. The group will leave the Nelson Market in Montgomery Square at 1pm, walk over Days track to Tahunanui Beach where the sand will then be returned.

Rev Gary Clover, also part of the group said: "The proposed foreshore and seabed legislation is plain old fashioned, out and out theft. It is a con, and it has been done before. I cannot stand silently by and watch this government create another generation of Maori grievance."

Bags of sand can be picked up from Nelson Greens Office, Nelson Volunteer Centre, Nelson Women’s Centre and Visitor Information Centre or at the Nelson Market on Saturday May 1st.

Anne FitzSimon added: "Those unable to make the walk over Days track are welcome to show their support by meeting us at Tahunanui Beach at 3pm on Saturday May 1st".

ENDS

Photo desk – for your information

A photo opportunity will be available at Tahunanui Beach, Rocks Road End, on Sunday, April 25th at 4pm. A group of local Pakeha, keen to honour their place as Treaty partners, will steal sand from the beach, in a re-enactment, in recognition of past thefts of land from Maori.

For more information please contact Anne FitzSimon email,tel (03) 539 0527 or 021 1123 890; or Claire Nichols on (03) 547 2511.