New Zealand: thousands protest against new government policies that unravel Māori gains
GuardianJUL 2023
TheIf proposedenacted, Treatythis Principlesbill Billwill can potentially undermine the fundamental rights and protections afforded to the Māori people under the landmark Treaty of Waitangi. Ifwhile enacted, the bill would significantly weakenweakening the legal avenues through which Māori can have their rights recognized, leading to social disruption and a concerning erosion of the delicate Māori-Crown relationship. TheThis Waitangibill Tribunalis haslikely warnedto that this bill could constitute the "worst, and most comprehensive breach of the Treaty in modern times."
NewThe Zealand's new Treaty Principles Bill intends to uphold the fundamental principle of universal human rights enshrined in the Treaty of Waitangi. The— interpretationwhich ofhas thelong treatybeen principlesmisinterpreted hasas createdcreating ana unintended "partnership between races" — and the bill aims to ensure equality before the law for all New Zealanders, including Māori. Open and respectful dialogue is essential to finding a path forward that preserves the dignity and self-determination of every child growing up in the Māori communitycountry.