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Numerous individuals have rallied outside New Zealand’s parliament in a demonstration advocating for Maori rights.
The massive throngs took to the streets of Wellington to contest a proposed legislation that could alter the nation’s foundational treaty between the indigenous Maori populace and the British monarchy.
The march has been characterized as potentially the largest protest in the country advocating for Maori rights.
The crowds gathered outside of New Zealand’s parliament.
Pic: AP
“We are advocating for our tamariki [children], for our mokopuna [grandchildren], so they can receive what we have been unable to attain,” stated Shanell Bob while awaiting the commencement of the march.
“Times have changed since my childhood. We are stronger now, our tamariki [children] are more resilient now, they have an understanding of their identity, and they take pride in it.”
The proposed bill, which faces considerable unpopularity, is unlikely to be enacted; however, opposition to it has surged significantly.
This legislation would redefine the significance of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi and restrict its principles from being applicable solely to the Maori populace—whose chiefs ratified the document during the colonization of New Zealand.
Tens of thousands of people walked through the streets of Wellington.
Pic: AP
Regarded as New Zealand’s founding document, it articulated the principles that govern the relationship between the British monarchy and the Maori in both English and Maori editions.
This document granted the Maori equal rights and privileges as British citizens; however, discrepancies existed between the English and Maori versions regarding the extent to which chiefs ceded their authority over their own governance and lands.
Over the years, colonial authorities violated both versions of the treaty, leading to a decline in Maori language and culture—often hindering the indigenous population from engaging in their practices—and resulted in the confiscation of tribal lands.
Pic: AP
What does the contentious bill entail?
The proposed legislation has been initiated by the libertarian ACT New Zealand party, which is a minor ally in the governing center-right coalition.
It aims to establish a more limited interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi, claiming that the current framework discriminates against non-indigenous individuals.
Opponents argue that this movement seeks to undo years of initiatives intended to uplift Maori individuals, who constitute around 20% of the 5.3 million populace.
New Zealand’s opposition leader Chris Hipkins (left) does a hongi with Hare Arapere as people gathered outside New Zealand’s parliament.
Pic: AP
In recent years, interpretations of various clauses within the treaty have consistently informed legislation and policymaking, with decisions from the judiciary and a distinct Maori tribunal leading to enhanced rights and privileges for the Maori community in the years following independence in 1947.
The bill’s proponent, libertarian politician David Seymour, contends that the reparative actions taken after earlier treaty violations have resulted in preferential treatment for the Maori—a stance he opposes.
Pic: AP
‘We’re heading out for a walk!’
“We’re heading out for a walk!” declared one organizer from a platform, as throngs of individuals congregated at the far end of New Zealand’s capital at the outset of the demonstration.
Some participants had journeyed from across the nation over the last nine days.
Pic: AP
Various groups stood with Maori sovereignty banners at bus stops, which would typically be occupied by morning commuters.
Children were among those participating, with some schools stating they would not mark students as absent if they were present.
The mayor of the city participated in the protest, along with other political figures.
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Pic: AP
The Maori haka was presented by demonstrators while thousands displayed signs in support as they lined the streets.
Some held placards featuring humor or jabs directed at politicians advocating the bill, while others showcased pride in Maori heritage, support for the protest, or condemned the colonization of the nation.
Authorities reported that approximately 42,000 individuals marched to the parliament’s area, with some spilling into adjoining streets.
Attendees sought out optimal viewing positions; some wedged themselves onto a children’s slide, while others ascended trees.
New Zealand politician David Seymour.
Pic: AP
The proposed legislation successfully passed its initial vote last Thursday, following a political agreement facilitated by Mr. Seymour.
ACT’s coalition partners, the National Party and New Zealand First, consented to back the bill during its first of three readings, although both parties have indicated they will not endorse it in becoming law.
Mr. Seymour briefly exited to the parliament’s forecourt to witness the protest and was met with boos from some attendees.
