One large and public political action that Anglican not only were involved in but that the Anglican Church initiated and organised was the Hīkoi of Hope Te Hīkoi mō te Tūmanako mō te Rawakore. The idea originated out of a discussion at General Synod Te Hīnota Whānui in May 1998. A motion was brought forward expressing concern over potential further cuts to social welfare benefits. During the discussion of the motion, Synod members shared stories from communities across the motu of rising poverty and social inequality more generally as well as increasing demand on Anglican social services. Professor Whatarangi Winiata moved an amendment to add a hīkoi to the motion and the motion was passed by Winiata and the original mover, the Rev’d Charles Waldegrave.1
Three and a half months later, the Hīkoi of Hope began on 1 September 1998 with hīkoi starting in the North, South, East and West of Aotearoa. Approximately 40,000 people took part in the Hīkoi over the next two months as the hīkoi slowly converged in Te Whanganui-a-Tara on 1 October 1998. 8,000 people gathered on Parliament grounds to conclude the Hīkoi with a Liturgy of Hope and Lament. The Hīkoi was led by Anglican Church leaders, as well as other Christian leaders and social service agencies.2 Seen amongst the Hīkoi was the red, white, and black woven, flax cross of our Province in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia emblazoned on large flags and t-shirts. Many signs and banners read the main slogan of the Hīkoi: ‘enough is enough.’3
The purpose of the Hīkoi of Hope Te Hīkoi mō te Tūmanako mō te Rawakore was to bring attention to the reality of poverty in Aotearoa.4 In doing this, the Hīkoi addressed five main areas where more could be done, particularly by the New Zealand government: the creation of real jobs, that incomes and benefits be at a level that can bring people out of poverty, a trustworthy public health system, affordable housing, and accessible and affordable education. Along the way, hīkoi shared and collected stories of rising poverty and social inequality which were brought together with an open letter outlining the Hīkoi’s five main areas and presented to Parliament. The Hīkoi, initiated and led by the Anglican Church, is not only an important event in our history as a Church but also in our nation's history, with politicians and media at the time bringing attention to its significance. As a result, government and religious leaders meet regularly to discuss these and other areas of social concern.5
Quotes about the Hīkoi of Hope Te Hīkoi mō te Tūmanako mō te Rawakore from participants and organisers:
"When that liturgy of community, of compassion, of non-violence, of hope, of egalitarianism, when that hits the streets and is made public, well, that becomes liturgy made flesh, and that is a very very threatening thing."6
“The Polynesian concept of fononga contributes to the Hikoi in its embracing of purpose and solidarity. The Hikoi is a moving of people in solidarity and intention. We walk with the poor and for the poor who are part of us.”7
"In the past when we've made the trips into parliament or written to parliament, the public don't hear about that - most Anglicans wouldn't hear about it - but this is something that's actually really catching everyone's attention."8
"The Hikoi reminded us again that the way of Jesus Christ is marked by relationships of justice, love, peace and liberation."9
"If Christians can't get out and try and make the world better, who will?"10
Bibliography
The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia Te Hāhi Mihinare ki Aotearoa ki Niu Tireni, ki ngā Moutere o te Moana Nui a Kiwa. Proceedings of the Fifty-Third General Synod / Hīnota Whānui. Hastings: General Secretary of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, 1998.
Beck, Peter, Lloyd Popata, and Winston Halapua. "Report of the Hikoi of Hope - Te Hikoi mo te Tumanako mo te Rawakore." In Proceedings of the Fifty-Fourth General Synod / Hīnota Whānui, R87-R89. Hastings: General Secretary of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, 2000.
Davidson, Allan K. "Church debate and dissent - Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand." Te Ara The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Updated April 20, 2018. https://teara.govt.nz/en/anglican-church/page-5.
Guy, Laurie. Shaping Godzone: Public Issues and Church Voices in New Zealand 1840-2000. Wellington: Victoria University Press, 2011.
Kaa, Hone, Susan Adams, and Winston Halapua. Theological Reflection on the Hikoi of Hope. Whakatāne: National Hikoi Coordination Group, 1998.
Rodger, Ronald, prod. Walking On: The Hikoi of Hope Te Hikoi mo te Tumanako mo te Rawakore: Documentary. 1999; Wellington: Social Justice Commission of the Anglican Church, 2008. DVD.
The Social Justice Commission of the Anglican Church. The Hikoi of Hope Te Hikoi mo te Tumanako mo te Rawakore: Walking On: Introduction. Inspirationaltv.net, 2008. From Vimeo. Video, 8:55. Posted by "justice.net.nz," June 11, 2008. https://vimeo.com/1157736.