New Zealand’s parliament was disrupted by a haka performance amid growing tensions over a controversial bill seeking to reinterpret the country’s founding Treaty of Waitangi. The bill, introduced by the Act party, aims to legally define the treaty’s principles, sparking widespread protests and a 1,000-kilometer peaceful march (hīkoi) towards the capital, Wellington.
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between British colonizers and many Māori tribes, has been fundamental to race relations in New Zealand. Over time, its core values have been integrated into various laws to address historical injustices against the Māori people. However, the Act party argues that this approach has divided the country and wants to reinterpret the treaty through parliamentary means rather than court interpretations.
The proposed bill outlines three key principles:
1. The government’s right to govern and make laws
2. Respect for Māori rights by the Crown
3. Equal protection under the law for all individuals
Act’s leader, David Seymour, claims the current interpretation has led to “ethnic quotas” in public institutions that contradict the principle of fairness. However, the bill has faced significant opposition, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon calling it “divisive” despite being part of the same coalition government.
The Waitangi Tribunal, established to investigate treaty breaches, has strongly criticized the bill, arguing it was developed without Māori consultation and misinterprets the treaty’s original intent. Critics fear the legislation could unravel crucial support for Māori communities.
The protest movement has been substantial, with an estimated 5,000 marchers crossing Auckland’s harbour bridge. Participants like Danielle Moreau and Winston Pond emphasized the importance of the treaty to New Zealand’s national identity and its bicultural foundation.
The context of this bill is particularly significant given the ongoing disparities faced by Māori populations. Despite comprising approximately 18% of New Zealand’s population, Māori continue to experience disadvantages in health, education, income, and life expectancy, with a seven-year gap in life expectancy compared to the general population.
The bill’s first reading passed with support from the ruling coalition, and MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke was suspended from parliament after performing a haka in protest. However, it is unlikely to pass a second reading, as Act’s coalition partners have indicated they will not support it.
The bill will now proceed to a six-month public hearing process, during which further debate and consultation are expected. The ongoing hīkoi and widespread public discourse underscore the deep significance of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s social and political landscape.
