Tens of thousands of New Zealanders gathered outside the Parliament on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, to protest against the proposed changes to the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document. The rally, which saw around 42,000 demonstrators chanting and performing traditional Maori "haka" dances, marked one of the largest protests the country has witnessed.
The day outside the Parliament was filled with cultural pride and determination. Participants dressed in traditional attire, some donning feathered headgear and cloaks, waved the Maori flag as they marched. Family groups, including children adorned with full-face Maori moko tattoos, carried ceremonial wooden weapons, expressing their deep-rooted heritage and commitment to their rights.
A significant catalyst for this remarkable protest was the introduction of the Treaty Principles Bill by ACT New Zealand, the minor party within the government’s coalition. Critics argue the bill threatens to dilute the legal recognition and rights granted to the Maori people under the Treaty of Waitangi, signed back in 1840 between the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs. It is viewed by many as regressive and harmful to the already strained race relations within the nation.
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, a 22-year-old Maori Party MP, became the face of the resistance when she dramatically tore apart the bill on the parliamentary floor before joining the massive protests outside. “I showed up outside the steps with a hundred thousand of my people, marching with our heads held high and our flags waving with pride," she declared to the crowd.
The introduction of the bill has sparked widespread discontent among the Maori populace, with many expressing fears it symbolizes the erosion of their long-established rights. The Maori population, which comprises about 20% of New Zealand's 5.3 million total citizens, experiences social disparities, including higher rates of incarceration, financial deprivation, and poor health outcomes compared to other groups.
Critics, including some prominent legal voices and Maori leaders, have criticized the proposal as potentially catastrophic. Ngira Simmonds, advisor to the Maori queen, emphasized the necessity for respectful dialogue: "There is no way to force changes onto the treaty without the input of both parties. It is not how we should be conversing about our important relationships."
The protest culminated from earlier regional marches, with thousands taking part in what is known as "hikoi," walking from the northern part of the country to Wellington over nine days, gathering strength and support along the way. Unity and solidarity were key themes echoed throughout the event. Ngati Toa tribe leader Helmut Modlik rallied the protesters, warmly declaring, “It is too late to divide the country. We are already one people.”
A petition against the bill had already gathered over 203,653 signatures, illustrating the widespread opposition felt across various communities. Protesters chanted phrases such as “Kill the bill” as ACT leader David Seymour and other legislation supporters faced the crowd just outside the formal parliamentary grounds.
Despite the bill's introduction, it appears unlikely to proceed to become legislation without significant backing from coalition partners National Party and New Zealand First, who have both refrained from backing the proposal at later readings. Differences concerning the treatment of the Treaty of Waitangi remain contentious and are likely to continue igniting debate within New Zealand’s political framework.
Reality hit home hard for many who attended Tuesday's rally, with sentiments like those expressed by Hoana Hadfield reflecting the urgency of the moment. “I’m here for my grandchildren, my children, and for their children. We need to uphold our kaupapa, these are values we hold dear as Maori, and for many, this is about cultural identity,” she stated.
The event highlighted the vibrant Maori culture, with formidable displays of unity reinforcing the call for safeguarding the rights entrenched by New Zealand’s historical treaties. The protest showcased the resolve of many to stand against what they perceive as threats to their cultural and legal identities, vowing to protect their rights for future generations.
While discussions about race and rights issues are complex, what's clear is the sheer weight of support behind the proposed protests and their aim to maintain the foundational integrity of the Treaty of Waitangi. Amid the chants and challenges, Maori activists continue to assert themselves, ensuring their voices are heard loudly and clearly, both within New Zealand and globally.
