New Zealand’s founding treaty is at a flashpoint. Why are thousands protesting for Māori rights?

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A proposed law that would redefine New Zealand’s founding treaty between the British Crown and Māori chiefs has triggered political turmoil and prompted tens of thousands of people to show up in protest at the country’s Parliament on Tuesday. Thousands of people gather outside New Zealand’s parliament to protest a proposed law that would redefine the country’s founding agreement between Indigenous Māori and the British Crown, in Wellington Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print FILE - ACT Party leader David Seymour stands during the first debate on the Treaty Principles Bill in Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Thousands of people gather outside New Zealand’s parliament to protest a proposed law that would redefine the country’s founding agreement between Indigenous Māori and the British Crown, in Wellington Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Considered New Zealand’s founding document, the treaty was signed between representatives of the British Crown and 500 Māori chiefs during colonization.