Marchers recalled Bastion Point

Press, 24 May 1986, Page 8

Marchers recalled Bastion Point

About 60 people marched through Christchurch from the Bridge of Remembrance to Cathedral Square last evening to commemorate Bastion Point Day. Holding coloured balloons, placards saying "Return the land to the Ngati Whatua,” and chanting “return Bastion Point,” the group was joined by about 50 more people in Cathedral Square, where the Maori activist, Dun Mihaka, spoke to the crowd. Mr Mihaka spoke about various definitions of law, order, justice and criminals. “Law and order in this country have nothing to do with equality and justice, the laws are designed to retain the status quo — which means multi-nationals making millions of dollars profit, .and the dole queues growing every day,” he said. He also thanked the people who had “kindly bared their backsides” in protest, during the Queen’s recent visit to Christchurch. Later in the evening, the Waitangi Action and Learning Coalition went to the , Christchurch Police Station and reported 700 acres of land stolen at Bastion Point. The group was given a stolen property form to fill out, and is getting in touch with people concerned with the land issue to help.