In a striking display of solidarity, tens of thousands of New Zealanders converged on parliament on Tuesday, marking one of the largest protests in the nation’s history. This massive crowd gathered and became one of the New Zealand largest ever protests to oppose a bill which opponents say seeks to dilute the rights of Maori and threatens to set race relations back decades. An estimated 42,000 people rallied against the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, which critics claim undermines Māori rights and jeopardizes decades of progress in race relations. First signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Indigenous Maori chiefs, the Treaty lays down how the two parties agreed to govern.
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The libertarian ACT New Zealand party, a junior partner in the ruling center-right coalition government, is seeking to enshrine a narrower interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi that it says discriminates against non-Indigenous citizens.
While the bill lacks enough support to pass, critics see in it a desire to reverse decades of policies that aimed to empower Maori, who make up around 20% of the 5.3 million population but have higher levels of deprivation and incarceration and worse health outcomes than the broader population.
Went asked about the protest one of the protesters said “I’m here for my grandchildren, my children, and their children,” said Hoana Hadfield, a first-time protester from Wellington. “It’s crucial to uphold our kaupapa, our values as Māori, and preserve our cultural identity.”
The scene at parliament was vibrant, with many attendees donning traditional attire, feathered headgear, and cloaks, while others proudly displayed the Māori national flag and T-shirts reading “Toitu te Tiriti” (Honour the Treaty). The protest followed a powerful nine-day hikoi, or march, that travelled from the country’s far north, with supporters joining along the way.
Messages of unity echoed throughout the gathering, with Helmut Modlik, a leader from the Ngāti Toa tribe, delivering a poignant message: “To those who would divide us, it is too late. We are already one people.” His words resonated with the crowd, who erupted in cheers.
Despite the bill passing its first reading with the backing of coalition partners National Party and New Zealand First, both have stated they will not support its progression into law. The groundswell of opposition was a demonstration was a presentation of a petition against the bill, bearing over 203,000 signatures.
Furthermore ACT leader David Seymour made a brief appearance at the protest, prompting chants of “kill the bill” from the crowd, which culminated in a powerful haka, a traditional Māori war dance, echoing their resolve.
Abby Collier, who traveled six hours from Tairawhiti to join the rally, emphasized the importance of unity: “We’re here from all over the country, showing our children that we can create change through kindness.”
As the rally unfolded, it became clear that the fight for Māori rights and dignity remains a pivotal issue in New Zealand, one that continues to galvanize communities across the nation.
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The bill has been drawn up by the libertarian ACT New Zealand party, a junior partner in the ruling centre-right coalition government. It seeks to enshrine a narrower interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi which it says discriminates against non-indigenous citizens. For this reason, critics say it is motivated by a desire to reverse decades of policies that aimed to empower Maori people, who make up around 20% of the 5.3 million population.
Well during the recent years, interpretation of clauses in the treaty have frequently guided legislation and policy. With the rulings by the courts and a separate Maori tribunal the result in growing Maori rights and privileges in the decades since independence in 1947.
Moreover the bill’s author, libertarian politician David Seymour, says that process of redress, following the earlier decades of breaches of the treaty, has created special treatment for the Maori – which he opposes.
