Tengrinews.kz – A Maori protest against the government's policies towards the country's indigenous people is in its ninth day and is taking place across New Zealand. Thousands of Maori marched in Wellington yesterday, according to CNN.
Large crowds marched through New Zealand's capital as part of a Hikoi (a multi-day walking trek), waving flags and banners, and Maori community members in traditional dress.
MAJOR PROTESTS erupted in Wellington, New Zealand this morning.Over 30,000, led by Māori protesters, gathered outside of New Zealand’s parliament to voice their opposition to a new bill that would reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi.STAY TUNED.pic.twitter.com/TRCBKMyse2
— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) November 19, 2024
Police said about 42 000 people, a significant number in a country of about 5 million, marched to parliament.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arrives at Waitangi Parkhttps://t.co/PbrxXn1vDN pic.twitter.com/T5N7BYCmce
— nzherald (@nzherald) November 19, 2024
The march, called Hikoi mo te Tiriti, began nine days ago in the far north of New Zealand and crossed the entire North Island. It was one of the largest protests the country has seen in decades.
The Maori are protesting against legislation they say undermines the country's founding principles and infringes on the rights of their people. The controversial bill seeks to revise the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document governing the relationship between the British Crown and Maori tribes.
The bill is not expected to pass as most parties have pledged to vote against it, but its introduction has caused political upheaval and reignited the debate over Indigenous rights in the country under its most right-wing government in years.
@whakaatamaori Parliament suspended as Māori MPs perform haka joined by public gallery. @Te Ao with Moana @Te Ao Māori News @TUKU ♬ original sound - Whakaata Māori
New Zealand's parliament was briefly suspended last week after Maori lawmakers performed a haka to stop a vote on the bill.
New Zealand's Treaty of Waitangi is a document signed by the colonial British regime and 500 Maori chiefs in 1840 that sets out the principles of co-governance between Indigenous and non-Indigenous New Zealanders.
Two versions of the text were signed - one in Maori (Te Tiriti) and one in English, but each contains different wording that has long fuelled debate about how the treaty is defined and interpreted.
Earlier, a large-scale protests initiated by the opposition, which is demanding new elections, has begun again in Georgia.
