In Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, thousands of protesters gathered for the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) on Wednesday. This demonstration aimed to highlight Māori unity and voice opposition against the proposed Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill, which many argue could destabilize New Zealand’s constitutional foundation. The event was organized by the Toitū te Tiriti (Honour te Tiriti) group and attracted support from various quarters, including the Māori Party.
The hīkoi participants, which included a new generation of Māori activists, are traveling the length of New Zealand’s north island, heading towards Parliament in Wellington. Their mission is to garner support for te Tiriti o Waitangi, the nation’s founding document signed in 1840 between Māori and the Crown. The Treaty Principles Bill has been particularly contentious, as it seeks to reinterpret treaty principles in ways that critics argue contradict existing jurisprudence and threaten Māori rights to self-determination and sovereignty.
The movement has historical echoes, reminiscent of past protests against laws such as the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004, which extinguished many Māori claims to customary rights. This, despite the Act’s later replacement with a limited statutory scheme for customary marine title, remains a painful chapter for many. Current concerns have also been heightened by the government’s recent indication to heighten thresholds for Māori to assert customary marine titles, as noted in an official announcement.
On Wednesday, demonstrators marched across Auckland’s harbour bridge amid strong displays of unity, carrying flags that symbolize Māori sovereignty. Police estimated that 5,000 people participated, while organizers, citing drone footage, suggested a turnout between 25,000 to 35,000, potentially making it the largest march ever to cross the bridge. Notably, Labour MP Willie Jackson was ejected from Parliament after delivering protest messages during the Bill’s first reading, highlighting the protest’s political impact.
The proposed Bill has sparked considerable legal concern. A group of Kings Counsel has formally urged the Prime Minister to abandon it, arguing it is “wholly inappropriate” as a unilateral government reinterpretation of New Zealand’s constitutional treaties, according to a recent letter they signed. Meanwhile, the Waitangi Tribunal has expressed that damage to the Māori-Crown relationship is already ongoing as a result of the proposed law.
As the hīkoi proceeds toward Wellington, its momentum continues to build, with reports indicating 10,000 individuals joined the demonstration in Rotorua. The focus now shifts to the capital, where the movement will likely reach its climax in the coming days. More details on this protest and its implications can be found on JURIST.