In a powerful display of unity, tens of thousands of people have gathered in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, to protest a controversial bill that threatens to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational agreement between Māori tribes and the British Crown. The protest has become one of the largest in the country’s history, drawing individuals from all walks of life in support of Māori rights and sovereignty. This protest is part of a nationwide movement that has included a long march across the country, known as the Hīkoi, originating from the northernmost point of New Zealand and continuing for days, culminating at Parliament.
The bill in question, proposed by libertarian MP David Seymour, seeks to define the Treaty principles in ways that many argue would dilute Māori sovereignty and undermine legal protections. While the bill is unlikely to pass, it has sparked widespread concern about the future of Māori rights in New Zealand. Critics argue that it would reduce Māori influence and self-determination, while proponents contend that it would bring about a more equal approach to governance. The protestors, including both Māori and non-Māori allies, voiced their opposition to these changes, expressing the need for a more respectful and inclusive approach to the Treaty’s promises.
As protesters filled the Parliament grounds, chanting traditional Māori songs and holding flags representing not only Māori but also various other Indigenous groups, the atmosphere remained one of peaceful resistance. Despite the opposition from some political quarters, the event has been a rallying cry for a larger movement dedicated to ensuring that the rights and culture of Māori people are not sidelined in the pursuit of national policy. This movement has brought Māori issues back into the forefront of political debate, highlighting the ongoing struggle for social justice and recognition of Indigenous rights
