35,000 Rally Outside New Zealand Parliament Against Controversial Māori Treaty Bill

35,000 Protestors Gather Outside New Zealand Parliament

Police estimate that 35,000 people are protesting outside New Zealand’s Parliament against the controversial Treaty Principles Bill.

Rawiri Waititi Speaks to the Crowd

Rawiri Waititi, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori, addressed the crowd with a powerful message:

• “Kia ora, my sovereign peoples. Aotearoa is our kingdom. We must protect it.”
• “We’ve got a message for this Government. Kill the bill. Kill the bill.”
• “We are inspiring indigenous peoples around the world to rise up.”
• “The whole world is watching.”

Background on the Treaty Principles Bill

The Treaty Principles Bill is a key policy of the Act party. It seeks to replace established principles with new definitions. Act believes that current principles distort the original intent of the Treaty of Waitangi, leading to division in rights between Māori and non-Māori citizens.

David Seymour, leader of the Act party, argues that co-governance and quotas for Māori representation are “contrary to equal rights.” He claims that this bill allows Parliament to define the treaty principles, asserting that every person is equal before the law.

Protests and Expected Attendance

The march began nine days ago at Cape Reinga and has brought together a diverse crowd. It is expected to culminate in Wellington with up to 50,000 demonstrators.

Members of the Māori Queen’s entourage are participating. They stress the need for a conversation about nationhood while rejecting a process that undermines the Treaty.

Public Reaction and Potential Outcomes

Opposition parties, including Labour and the Greens, have criticized the bill as divisive. They urge Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to reject it. Despite expectations, many believe the bill will likely fail in Parliament due to insufficient support.

A petition against the bill has garnered 220,000 signatures, reflecting widespread opposition.

Importance of the Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, established foundational rights between Māori and the Crown. Its principles have evolved but remain vital for upholding Māori rights. Changes to these principles could weaken legal protections for Māori rights, potentially leading to societal unrest.

Conclusion

Given the expressions of solidarity during the protests, the movement remains strong. The gathering signifies a crucial moment in New Zealand’s history as citizens advocate for Māori rights amid significant political changes.