WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A proposed law reinterpreting New Zealand’s founding treaty between the British Crown and Māori chiefs has sparked a nationwide march to Parliament by thousands of protestors.
While unlikely to pass, the bill has ignited a debate about race relations and the country’s 180-year commitment to its Indigenous population, and the interpretation of those commitments.
Tens of thousands are anticipated in Wellington on Tuesday for the culmination of a week-long protest march, a Māori tradition (hīkoi) highlighting perceived treaty violations.
Why is a 180-year-old treaty under renewed scrutiny?
The 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was signed by British Crown representatives and 500 Māori chiefs. It outlined principles governing their relationship, with differing English and Māori versions.
It promised Māori British citizen rights, but discrepancies in the wording affected the extent of power ceded by Māori chiefs over their lands, autonomy and affairs.
For decades, the Crown violated both treaty versions. By the mid-20th century, Māori language and culture were suppressed, tribal lands were seized, and Māori faced significant disadvantages.
How was treaty recognition restored?
Fueled by a growing Māori protest movement, New Zealand courts, lawmakers, and the Waitangi Tribunal (a body established to address treaty issues) have spent the last 50 years interpreting the treaty and attempting redress.
The resulting principles—partnership with the Crown, protection of Māori interests, and participation in decision-making—are meant to be adaptable.
Despite ongoing disadvantages, treaty recognition and redress efforts have significantly impacted society. Māori language revitalization is underway, and policies addressing Māori inequities have been implemented.
Billions of dollars have been paid in settlements to tribes for treaty breaches, mostly concerning land and resource expropriation.
What sparked the current debate?
Some New Zealanders oppose redress efforts. Lawmaker David Seymour, leader of a minor libertarian party, is a prominent voice of this opposition.
Seymour’s proposed law would define treaty principles specifically and apply them to all New Zealanders, not just Māori. He argues that the flexible interpretation has created inequities and preferential treatment for Māori.
His bill faces widespread opposition, including from former prime ministers across the political spectrum, 40 leading lawyers, and thousands of protestors.
While passing a first vote, Seymour’s bill is unlikely to pass its final reading. Most initial supporters are expected to withdraw their support.
Critics argue the bill threatens constitutional stability and would revoke existing treaty rights. They also condemn Seymour (himself Māori) for inciting anti-Indigenous sentiment.
Why are people marching?
Peaceful marches are a traditional Māori form of protest used to highlight treaty rights issues.
Authorities anticipate 30,000 participants in Tuesday’s Wellington march. Cities along the route have seen up to 10,000 protestors at a time.
Many are protesting Seymour’s bill; others oppose a related order prohibiting public agencies from prioritizing Māori-specific redress policies.