But the son of a haka expert, travelling down with students from Huntly, says "this is all part of our learning, this is their school".

The hīkoi is a family affair, with tamariki everywhere; pepe sleeping in carts and buggies or tugging their cousins' hair.

The protest against the Treaty Principles Bill turned into a party after te Hīkoi mō te Tiriti left Parliament and headed to Waitangi Park for music, kai, and a bit of a rest.