Massive protest in New Zealand over Treaty of Waitangi Bill

Tens of thousands of marchers filled the streets of New Zealand’s capital on Tuesday in what is being hailed as one of the country’s largest demonstrations in support of Māori rights. The protest centered around a controversial bill seeking to alter the interpretation of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, the founding agreement between the Indigenous Māori people and the British Crown.

The protest, which bore the energy of a festival, was not only about opposing the proposed legislation but also celebrating the resurgence of the Māori language and identity, nearly destroyed by colonization.

“Just fighting for the rights that our tūpuna, our ancestors, fought for,” said protester Shanell Bob, using the Māori word for ancestors. “We’re fighting for our tamariki, for our mokopuna, so they can have what we haven’t been able to have.”

A Tradition of Resistance

The march followed a long history of peaceful Māori demonstrations that have marked pivotal moments in New Zealand’s history. Starting from the opposite end of Wellington and ending at Parliament, the protest drew support from both Māori and non-Māori participants. Many schools allowed students to attend without being marked absent, and the city’s mayor joined the marchers.

The contentious bill, authored by libertarian lawmaker David Seymour, who is of Māori descent, proposes redefining the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi to apply universally rather than specifically to Māori. Critics argue the bill undermines Indigenous rights and risks worsening the inequalities that the treaty was meant to address.

A Celebration of Identity

The mood at the protest reflected a shift in New Zealand’s cultural consciousness. Protesters carried placards with messages like “Proud to be Māori” and “Respect the Treaty,” while others criticized the lawmakers behind the bill. Māori haka (war dances) and waiata (songs) reverberated through the streets as thousands of supporters lined the pavements.

“This is different from when I was a child,” said Bob. “We’re stronger now, our tamariki are stronger now. They know who they are and are proud of it.”

Flags from various Indigenous and international communities, including those of Samoa, Tonga, Palestine, and Israel, were displayed in solidarity with the Māori cause.

A Divisive Bill

Seymour’s bill has sparked intense debate. Proponents claim it seeks fairness by preventing “special treatment” for Māori. However, detractors say it risks constitutional upheaval and dilutes Indigenous rights, particularly in light of the historical expropriation of Māori land and resources.

Though the bill passed its first parliamentary vote last week, it is unlikely to become law. Seymour remains hopeful for a shift in public opinion and invited submissions from the public. However, his brief appearance at the protest was met with boos from the crowd.

A Call for Unity

For many Māori, the protest symbolized a call for respect and acknowledgment of their place in New Zealand’s history and future.

“The treaty is a document that lets us be here in Aotearoa, so holding it up and respecting it is really important,” said Ben Ogilvie, a Pākehā (New Zealand European) supporter.

As speeches concluded on Parliament grounds, protester Papa Heta summed up the day’s sentiment: “We hope to unite with our Pākehā friends. Unfortunately, there are decisions being made that put us in a difficult place.”

The protest serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights in New Zealand and the resilience of the Māori people as they fight to preserve their identity and legacy.