Singing Waiata Tautoko for Palestine to close the 12/12 demonstration, written & performed by Lee Stuart, based on Kalam Eneih by Sherine. At a time when Te Reo is under threat from the new government, hundreds singing together on Parliament lawn communicated a solidarity that rippled out in many directions.

The crowds singing waiata outside Parliament sing in longing for people to have safety, respect, freedom to live – and welcome more and more people to stand together against an unconscionable collective punishment that is worse by the day. Powerful speeches and songs from the heart – centering love – kotahitanga – coming together as one for justice and peace. Thank you! Kia kaha, kia māia 

Summons 

by Aurora Levins Morales

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Last night I dreamed
ten thousand grandmothers
from the twelve hundred corners of the earth
walked out into the gap
one breath deep
between the bullet and the flesh
between the bomb and the family.
They told me we cannot wait for governments.
There are no peacekeepers boarding planes.
There are no leaders who dare to say
every life is precious, so it will have to be us.
They said we will cup our hands around each heart.
We will sing the earth’s song, the song of water,
a song so beautiful that vengeance will turn to weeping,
the mourners will embrace, and grief replace
every impulse toward harm.
Ten thousand is not enough, they said,
so, we have sent this dream, like a flock of doves
into the sleep of the world. Wake up. Put on your shoes.
You who are reading this, I am bringing bandages
and a bag of scented guavas from my trees. I think
I remember the tune. Meet me at the corner.
Let’s go.