Tens of thousands of New Zealanders gathered outside the Parliament House in Wellington on November 19, 2024, to protest against the government's proposed legislation to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, the nation's founding document.
More than 35,000 demonstrators took to the streets, marking the conclusion of a nine-day hīkoi, or peaceful protest, which traveled through the country, uniting people from all walks of life under the Māori flag.
The protest was sparked by the Treaty Principles Bill, introduced by the libertarian ACT Party, led by David Seymour. This bill aims to reinterpret and legally define the principles of the 1840 Treaty, which acts as the cornerstone of New Zealand's relationship between Māori and the British colonial forces. Seymour argues the treaty's existing principles have resulted in racial divides over the years and suggests his bill advocates for equal rights for all New Zealanders, regardless of ancestry.
"My Treaty Principles Bill asserts I, like everyone else, hold the same fundamental rights and dignity, irrespective of whether their ancestors have been here for millennia or arrived yesterday," Seymour stated. He contends it's prejudicial to value individuals based on their ancestry rather than their humanity.
Opposition to the initiative has mounted sharply, leading to one of the largest protests the nation has seen. Wellington's public transport system was overwhelmed as attendees flocked to the capital to make their voices heard, with the city's transport chair, Thomas Nash, indicating it was possibly the busiest morning recorded.
The demonstration was led by the Māori Queen Ngā Wai hono i te pō, and many participants donned traditional attire, waving Māori flags and chanting traditional haka. The atmosphere was described by attendees as respectful and united, showcasing the collective resolve to protect Māori rights.
Within the Beehive, discussions continued over the bill, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon affirming his party's disapproval. "Our position remains unchanged. We will not support the bill beyond the second reading; it won't become law," Luxon emphasized, highlighting the years of discussions pertaining to the treaty.
Critics of the bill, including human rights advocates and legal experts, argue it threatens long-established principles prescribed by the treaty. They fear the legislation would undo the affirmative actions meant to uplift Māori, representing over 900,000 people, where disparities haven’t been adequately addressed.
"They are attempting to strip our rights away,” voiced Stan Lingman, who has both Māori and Swedish ancestry. His sentiments echoed within the protest as many expressed concerns about the current government’s approach to Indigenous rights.
Interestingly, the Māori community's fight for rights and recognition has led to significant societal changes over the decades. The treaty has been constantly interpreted within legal frameworks to facilitate rectitude against historical injustices, resulting from the Crown's prior violations.
Although the proposed bill is not expected to pass, its mere introduction has triggered fervency among citizens, shedding light on persistent issues of racial equality and representation. The government's stance has drawn criticism from various sectors, leading to calls for greater dialogue between Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders.
Māori leaders and legislators have taken up the reins within Parliament, even performing haka to disrupt proceedings as part of their protest against the bill, showcasing the emotional and cultural significance of their heritage. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of the Māori Party, lamented, "It’s disheartening to see New Zealand’s spirit of equity threatened by such proposals.", calling for change to prevent division across the nation's populace.
The hīkoi has empowered not only Māori but all New Zealanders. Activists like grandmother Rose Raharuhi Spicer have stood firm about leaving behind a legacy for future generations. "This protest isn’t just for Māori; it’s for everyone. Our grandchildren’s future is at stake."
Meanwhile, society remains divided: some citizens believe Māori have already attained more than their fair share, expressing discontent with what they term as preferential treatment. Barbara Lecomte, a resident from the coastal suburbs, articulated concern over the perceived demands of the Māori, stating, "There’s now such diversity; we should unite as one New Zealand without breaking apart from historical divides."
Nevertheless, many protesters remain resolute, emphasizing the importance of historical acknowledgment and reparations for injustices faced by Māori. The issues encapsulated within these protests throw light on New Zealand's continued struggle with race relations, redefining how society can honor and respect Indigenous rights.
Debate over the foundation of New Zealand’s race relations, initiated by the Treaty, is reignited with every protest and legislative attempt, especially as the country grapples with its colonial past.
So, as the hīkoi wraps up and Wellington witnesses this monumental moment—signifying more than just resistance but unity—the future will depend on how both Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders negotiate these complex historical narratives together. With the proposed bill, New Zealand finds itself at a crossroads, and the tone set by this assembly will resonate throughout its political terrain for years to come.
