A haka performed in New Zealand’s Parliament by Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke and others on Thursday, November 14th, temporarily disrupted proceedings during the first reading of a controversial Treaty Principles Bill. The Act Party-led bill seeks to reinterpret the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational agreement between Māori tribes and the British Crown when the British Empire first landed on New Zealand and began colonization. A peaceful Māori rights march (hīkoi) is progressing across New Zealand, gathering thousands in protest against the legislation.
The Treaty Principles Bill, introduced by the Act Party, aims to define treaty principles in law, arguing that this would enhance parliamentary governance over judicial interpretations. Act leader David Seymour asserts that current interpretations foster division by granting race-based advantages. Opponents, however, contend that the bill undermines Māori rights enshrined in the treaty and may reverse decades of reconciliation efforts.
The bill passed its first reading after a 30-minute delay caused by the haka. While the ruling coalition backed it, coalition partners signaled their reluctance to support it in subsequent readings. Critics, including Māori leaders, claim the bill lacks consultation with Indigenous communities, breaching the treaty’s principles of partnership and mutual respect. The Waitangi Tribunal, tasked with treaty oversight, labeled the bill a violation of Māori rights.
The hīkoi, which began in northern New Zealand and reached Auckland earlier this week, reflects widespread opposition to the bill. Protesters highlight concerns over previous government actions, including dismantling the Māori Health Authority and prioritizing English over Māori for official purposes. Such measures, they argue, exacerbate existing disparities in health, education, and income between Māori and non-Māori populations.
Participants in the march emphasized the treaty’s significance to New Zealand’s identity. A protester at the march stated, “Te Tiriti [the Treaty of Waitangi] is central to who we are as a nation.” Many warn that reinterpreting treaty principles risks further marginalizing Māori communities already disadvantaged under key social indicators.
The bill now moves to a select committee for public hearings, where it will face continued scrutiny. Māori leaders and advocates vow to fight the legislation, emphasizing the need to preserve the treaty’s foundational role in fostering a bicultural and inclusive New Zealand.
