Thousands protesting New Zealand’s Indigenous bill set to march to parliament

Tue Nov 19 03:42:07 UTC 2024: **Tens of Thousands Protest Controversial Treaty Bill in New Zealand**

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (November 19, 2024) – Over 35,000 people marched on Parliament in Wellington today, protesting a bill proposed by MP David Seymour that seeks to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document. The massive demonstration, the culmination of a week-long nationwide protest, is believed to be the largest in modern New Zealand history concerning treaty rights.

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, established a relationship between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. However, discrepancies between the English and Māori versions of the treaty, and subsequent breaches by the Crown, have led to ongoing debate about its interpretation and implementation. For decades, courts and the Waitangi Tribunal have worked to address these breaches and define the treaty’s principles, focusing on partnership, protection of Māori interests, and participation in decision-making.

Seymour’s bill aims to provide specific legal definitions for these principles, applying them equally to all New Zealanders. He argues that the current, flexible interpretation has led to preferential treatment for Māori. However, the bill is widely opposed by Māori and non-Māori alike, including former Prime Ministers from both the left and right, and 40 leading lawyers. Critics contend that the bill would undermine existing legal protections enshrined through treaty settlements and cause constitutional upheaval. They also accuse Seymour of inciting backlash against Indigenous people.

While the bill passed its first reading, it is not expected to become law. The protest, characterized by Māori traditions of peaceful hīkoi (walking protests), underscores the deep divisions surrounding the treaty and the ongoing struggle for Māori rights and recognition. The large turnout highlights the significant public opposition to Seymour’s proposed legislation and broader concerns about government policies related to Māori affairs.