Saw the viral Haka inside New Zealand parliament? An 1840 agreement between the Māori and the British Crown is the reason. Read details

New Zealand is witnessing a major protest by the indigenous Maori people with thousands marching towards the national capital Wellington over a controversial bill redefining the Treaty of Waitangi. The country’s political theatre caught global attention when on the 14th of November, New Zealand’s youngest Member of Parliament Hana -Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke tore up a copy of the bill and performed a traditional Maori haka dance joined by some others in the parliament as a mark of protest against the bill titled Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill. https://t.co/nu55lS7Y8M pic.twitter.com/xLNIkMQagk — The New York Times November 15, 2024 The 1840 Treaty of Waitangi and incessant clashes over the quest for ‘equality’ for all New Zealanders versus the preservation of Maori ‘rights’ The Treaty Principles Bill has been brought forth by the ACT New Zealand, a junior partner in the governing centre-right coalition government, to revise the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi. Maori groups take out “Hikoi” against Treaty Principles Bill Notably, approximately 10,000 protesters marched through Rotorua, New Zealand, voicing their opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill. Maori protestors carrying their traditional flag What the Treaty Principles Bill 2024 and its supporters say The Treaty Principles Bill 2024 proposes extending the treaty to all New Zealanders through a referendum, but Maori leaders and activists argue that this will not only undermine Māori rights, but also promote anti-Māori discourse.