Insults, anger and a haka in New Zealand parliament as MPs debate bill on Māori rights
GuardianNov 17
New Zealand: Māori Begin March to Capital Against Treaty Principles Bill
Above: People protest the government for its policies toward the indigenous Māori population in New Zealand on May 30, 2024. Image copyright: Dave Lintott/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Some 200 people set off on a nine-day march to the capital of New Zealand on Monday to protest the proposed Treaty Principles Bill, which would narrow the interpretation of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi between Māori chiefs and the British Crown.
The marchers departed from Te Rerenga Wairua/Cape Rēinga in the far north Monday morning (local time), planning to reach Wellington by next Tuesday. Rallies are scheduled to take place in towns and cities including Auckland as the demonstrators move south.
The Spin
Left narrative
These marches are warranted considering this bill is likely to constitute the worst and most comprehensive breach of the Treaty of Waitangi in modern times. If enacted, it would undermine the fundamental rights and protections afforded to the Māori people under the treaty, while significantly weakening the legal avenues through which Māori can have their rights recognized.
Right narrative
Open and respectful dialogue — not marches and rallies — is essential to finding a path forward that preserves the dignity and self-determination of every child growing up in the country. This bill is intended to uphold the fundamental principle of universal human rights enshrined in the treaty — which has long been misinterpreted as creating a "partnership between races."