New Zealand: thousands protest against new government policies that unravel Māori gains
GuardianJUN 2023
If enacted, this bill will undermine the fundamental rights and protections afforded to the Māori people under the landmark Treaty of Waitangi while significantly weakening 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. This bill is likely to constitute the worst and most comprehensive breach of the Treaty in modern times.
The Treaty Principles Bill intends to uphold the fundamental principle of universal human rights enshrined in the Treaty of Waitangi — which has long been misinterpreted as creating a "partnership between races" — and 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 country.