New Zealand’s parliament session on Thursday was briefly suspended after Maori MPs staged a haka, the traditional dance, to disrupt the vote on a controversial bill aimed at redefining the Treaty of Waitangi.
The Treaty of Waitangi: A Legacy of Governance
Signed in 1840 between the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs, the Treaty of Waitangi serves as a foundational document for New Zealand’s governance. Its evolving interpretations have shaped legislation and policies for nearly two centuries. While Maori rights have expanded through court rulings and a dedicated tribunal, critics argue this has marginalized non-Indigenous citizens.
A Divisive Bill Sparks Controversy
The ACT New Zealand party, a member of the ruling center-right coalition, introduced a bill proposing a narrower interpretation of the treaty. Many Maori and their supporters view the legislation as a threat to Indigenous rights, intensifying national debate.
Haka Protest Disrupts Parliamentary Proceedings
Te Pati Maori MPs protested during the bill’s preliminary vote by performing a haka, a symbolic display of resistance and cultural pride. Their actions, supported by people in the gallery, caused an uproar, prompting a temporary suspension of parliamentary proceedings.
Nationwide Protests and the Hikoi March
The contentious bill has mobilized widespread opposition, with hundreds of Maori beginning a nine-day protest march, or hikoi, from northern New Zealand to Wellington. Along the route, an estimated 10,000 people joined the march in Rotorua, many wearing traditional attire and carrying Maori flags. The march will culminate in Wellington next Tuesday, where tens of thousands are expected to rally in opposition to the bill.
Uncertain Future for the Legislation
Although the bill passed its first reading, its prospects remain bleak. Coalition partners, including the National Party and New Zealand First, have stated they will not support the legislation beyond the initial stage, making its passage into law unlikely.
