Māori protesters have recently marched to Waitangi, opposing the Treaty Principles Bill, a proposal which would permit adjustments to the “principles” of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi). The treaty is New Zealand’s founding document, which formalized British and Māori governance of the country. The demonstration took place ahead of Waitangi Day, New Zealand’s national day commemorating the signing of the Treaty.
The protest concluded a trek of over 200 kilometres which ended in Waitangi. The organizer, Rueben Tipari, addressed the crowd, exhorting them to uphold their unified resistance, solidarity and unity beyond the demonstration alone.
The Association of Consumers and Taxpayers Party (ACT) had suggested a referendum to alter the “principles” of the Treaty of Waitangi. Though the coalition agreement did not include this referendum, both the National and New Zealand First parties have concurred to introduce a Treaty Principles Bill to be evaluated further by a select committee.
The principles of the Treaty, which have evolved over the last half-century via parliamentary, court and Waitangi Tribunal action, include partnership, reciprocity, mutual benefit, the active protection of Māori interests, and redress for historical injustices. The ACT party contends these principles create “different political rights based on birth”, granting Māori a stronger voice in political decision-making and consequently breaching political equality. Protesters, on the other hand, argue the Bill would overturn policies endorsing the official use of the Māori language and enhancing Indigenous living standards and rights.
The march, known as hikoi, proceeded over the Waitangi Bridge, upholding a historic tradition preserved for 40 years. The procession wound up at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, historical site of conflicts among Māori, politicians, police and royalty.
Full details can be found on Jurist.