Nationwide Activation Day

A fabulous day for a carkoi.

Hi all,

I thought I’d write a quick note on the start of a long day. Protests this morning, speeches soon, then that budget thingy, and no doubt a lot of post match analysis.

After the appalling weather last evening I was a little reluctant to get up, but this was no day for lying in bed. Johnny was already up, his classes have finished so he’s in a different time zone leading up to exams. He said he’d come along for the carkoi, I was glad for the company and to have someone who could take photos.

With an extra layer or two we headed into the dark. All was quiet after a night that saw power outages, blown out windows, even closing the bridge. We passed the queue of already waiting cars before we got to the Hobsonville BP, the West Auckland meeting place.

I wandered around for a bit saying hello and good morning. The vibe was different than other protests I’d been on, everyone was positive and friendly, but also subdued. There was weariness and also determination. People from all walks, Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti, Māori and Pakeha. Flash cars, a few old bangers, and me driving my daughter Thea’s bright pink Barbie Mobile.

Thea and her Barbie Mobile.

There were flags everywhere, great large ones billowing in the breeze, kids running around with small ones, full of excitement and giggles. I thought to myself there are going to be some tired little ones before this day is out. Passing cars tooted support, especially noticeable from the trucks with the long low horns.

A bit after seven we headed off, winding our way through the suburb to the motorway. There was a tremendous amount of organisation with people in safety vests marshalling vehicles. Multiply that by all the meeting points around the country and that’s a hell of a lot of organisation, deserving of much kudos.

The police were chilling, there were an awful lot of them between where we met and town, just keeping a watchful eye on proceedings.

On the motorway, we were off!

But not fast. You could already see impatient commuters trying to get by, sneaking down the emergency lane or the shoulder in desperation to get to work.

People waved out of windows, cars coming the other way beeped. Even the DJs on Idiot FM, whatever it was, were chipping in. Playing a clip from David Letele as we crawled along. I loved seeing groups of kids with signs waving from the overbridges.

We slowed almost to a stop. Johnny and I were about three or four cars from the front, the empty motorway ahead was a weird sight. People joining in front of us getting a free run, those behind, well, a moment or two for contemplation perhaps.

As we crossed the causeway it was stunning seeing the flags against the harbour. I felt pretty emotional at such an outpouring of people coming out to say - what you’re doing is not what I want for my Aotearoa. How bloody dare you push this garbage and take us backwards - we’re not bloody standing for it.

Nobody on the radio was mentioning the budget, but there were regular updates on the traffic. It sounded like the Northern Motorway was particularly bad.

As I said at the start this is just a short note, somewhere for people to comment. If you’re at a protest around the country maybe share some thoughts. I’d love to hear what’s being said in other centres.

Whether you’re marching, listening to speeches in solidarity, or there in spirit and sharing your thoughts online you’re really sending a message today.

No doubt the lion’s share of the TV coverage will be whatsername and the budget tonight, but for many of us the feeling of comradery in the face of these attacks on our precious Aotearoa are what will lie in the memory.