Maori Haka and Nationwide Protests Challenge Bill on Treaty of Waitangi

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New Zealand's parliament witnessed a rare moment of cultural resistance as MPs performed a haka to protest a contentious bill aimed at redefining the Treaty of Waitangi, the nation’s founding document between the Crown and Māori people. The legislative chamber temporarily halted its proceedings after opposition MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke led the ceremonial dance when questioned about her party's stance on the proposed legislation.  

Wild scenes in New Zealand's Parliament as politicians suddenly erupt into huge 'floor shaking' haka#NewZealand #Haka #Maori pic.twitter.com/AT6zaDjFdi

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) November 15, 2024

 

Simultaneously, a hīkoi, or peaceful protest march, continued its journey towards the capital, Wellington. Organized by a Māori rights group, the 10-day march has drawn thousands of participants, growing in numbers as it moved through major cities, including Auckland, where an estimated 5,000 marchers crossed the Harbour Bridge. Danielle Moreau, a Māori marcher, expressed her awe at the turnout, saying, “I was hoping it [the hīkoi] would be big, but it was much more epic than I expected.”  

 

The bill, introduced by the Act Party, seeks to legally define the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. Act contends that its principles, historically interpreted by courts to address colonial injustices, have created racial divisions. David Seymour, the Act Party leader and associate justice minister, argues that the legislation will ensure fairness by allowing parliament, rather than the judiciary, to define the treaty's principles. According to Seymour, the current lack of legal clarity has enabled practices such as ethnic quotas in public institutions, which he claims conflict with the principle of equal rights for all.  

 

Critics, however, fear the bill threatens Māori rights and undermines efforts toward equity. Kiriana O’Connell, a Māori protester, rejected the notion of altering the treaty’s principles, stating, “The current treaty principles are already a compromise for our people.” Similarly, Juliet Tainui-Hernández, from the Māori tribe Ngāi Tahu, attended the hīkoi with her family to support an inclusive future for New Zealand’s children and grandchildren.  

 

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, while part of the ruling coalition with Act, described the bill as "divisive." Opposition also came from the Waitangi Tribunal, which criticized the lack of consultation with Māori in drafting the bill. It deemed the legislation a breach of the Crown's partnership obligations and warned that the proposed reinterpretation of treaty principles would harm Māori interests.  

 

The controversy extends beyond this bill, with many Māori perceiving it as part of a broader trend. Recent government decisions, such as disbanding the Māori Health Authority and reprioritizing English over Māori in naming official organizations, have fueled concerns. Despite comprising about 18% of New Zealand's population, Māori communities continue to face systemic disadvantages, including disparities in health, income, education, and life expectancy.  

 

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, remains contentious due to discrepancies between its English and Māori texts, particularly concerning sovereignty. While not codified in law, its principles have been embedded in various legislative frameworks. The proposed bill, which passed its first reading with support from all coalition parties, will now undergo a six-month public consultation. However, its future remains uncertain, as coalition partners signal reluctance to back it in subsequent readings.  

 

For many, including Winston Pond, who joined the march in Auckland, the hīkoi represents more than just opposition to the bill. “I marched to make the point that Te Tiriti [the Treaty of Waitangi] is very important to our national identity,” he said. As the march progresses, its message reverberates across New Zealand, calling for a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to equity and respect for its bicultural foundations.  

 

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-11-18