In one of the largest protests in New Zealand’s recent history, an estimated 35,000 people gathered outside Parliament in Wellington on Tuesday, marching against a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi. The protest, known as Hikoi mo te Tiriti, saw indigenous Maori chanting traditional haka and calling for lawmakers to reject the Treaty Principles Bill, introduced by libertarian MP David Seymour of the ACT New Zealand Party.
The bill, which seeks to redefine the foundational 1840 treaty between the British Crown and Maori chiefs, has sparked widespread opposition. Critics argue that it would weaken Maori rights and alter the core tenets of the treaty, which has long been a pillar of New Zealand’s governance. While the bill is unlikely to pass, its introduction has reignited fierce debates on race, rights, and New Zealand’s colonial past.
The Treaty of Waitangi and Its Controversies
The Treaty of Waitangi, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi, signed by more than 500 Maori chiefs in 1840, was intended to resolve tensions between the Maori people and the British Crown. While the treaty was meant to protect Maori land and sovereignty, the English and Maori versions differ significantly, leading to long-standing disputes over its interpretation. The Maori version grants them the right to self-governance, while the English version implies that Maori ceded sovereignty to the British Crown.
Despite the treaty’s promises of land and cultural preservation, the British Crown appropriated much of the land, leaving Maori people disenfranchised and marginalized. Efforts have been made to address these breaches, including the creation of the Waitangi Tribunal in 1975, which seeks to resolve complaints related to the treaty’s breaches.
The Treaty Principles Bill and Its Implications
Introduced by David Seymour, the Treaty Principles Bill aims to provide clearer definitions of the treaty’s principles, effectively abolishing the special rights granted to Maori. Seymour, a Maori himself, has long been critical of policies seen as giving preferential treatment to Maori people. His party argues that the treaty’s interpretation has created a “dual system” that fosters division along racial lines.
While Seymour’s ACT Party is a minor coalition partner in New Zealand’s government, the bill has sparked significant backlash. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, along with other politicians, has publicly opposed the bill. Critics, including prominent legal experts and leaders within the Maori community, argue that the bill threatens to erode Maori rights, undermining the Treaty of Waitangi and the progress made over the last century to remedy past injustices.
In Parliament, tensions flared as Maori Party MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke dramatically tore up the bill and performed a haka in protest, a gesture that quickly went viral on social media and fueled further anger. The dramatic act resonated deeply with the public and galvanized the massive protest, further highlighting the deep cultural and political divides that the bill has created.
Why the Protest Matters
The Hikoi mo te Tiriti protest is seen as a powerful symbol of Maori resistance to what they perceive as an assault on their cultural rights. The march, which began in the country’s far north ten days ago, culminated in a display of unity and defiance outside Parliament. The protestors, many wearing traditional Maori attire, carried flags and chanted the haka as they marched to defend their rights and demand respect for the Treaty of Waitangi.
For the Maori people, the Treaty of Waitangi is not just a historical document—it is a living, breathing part of their identity and sovereignty. As the country grapples with its colonial past and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, the debate surrounding the Treaty Principles Bill is a reminder of the complexities of race and governance in New Zealand.
Looking Ahead
While the chances of the bill passing are slim, the protest and the debate it has sparked signal a significant moment in New Zealand’s history. With many calling for greater recognition of indigenous rights and a more inclusive approach to governance, the issue is far from resolved.
As the marchers returned to their communities, the message was clear: the fight for Maori rights and the integrity of the Treaty of Waitangi is ongoing. While the Treaty Principles Bill may soon be a thing of the past, the conversation it has ignited will continue to shape New Zealand’s future.
Sources By Agencies
