A groundbreaking piece of legislation, known as the Treaty Principles Bill, was overwhelmingly defeated in the New Zealand parliament with a vote of 112 to 11, shortly after a government committee had recommended against its progression. The bill aimed to legally define the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, sparking significant public outrage which culminated in a protest attended by over 40,000 individuals last year. As the bill was expected to fail, it was met mostly with opposition from major political parties. The right-wing Act Party was the only political group to support the legislation during its second reading on Thursday. Act Party leader David Seymour has indicated he will continue to advocate for the principles of the Treaty to be established in law despite the setback. In his view, the bill's content had merit that could lead to its eventual approval in the future.
New Zealand's Controversial Treaty Principles Bill Defeated Amid Backlash
New Zealand's Controversial Treaty Principles Bill Defeated Amid Backlash
Controversial legislation designed to reinterpret New Zealand's founding Treaty of Waitangi has been voted down in parliament following public protests.
The parliamentary debate around the bill was tense, with Labour MP Willie Jackson being expelled after he called Seymour a "liar". Labour leader Chris Hipkins labeled the proposed bill a stain on New Zealand’s history. Hana Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke of Te Pāti Māori (the Māori Party) declared that the bill had been "annihilated," while Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson noted that the controversy had united communities in support of the Treaty. The select committee investigating the bill revealed that over 300,000 submissions had been received, marking the largest public response to a legislative proposal in New Zealand history, and the overwhelming majority were against the bill.
While the principles of the Treaty have never had formal legal definitions, they have evolved within various legislative contexts to address historical injustices faced by the Māori. The Act Party's proposal was built around three core principles: governance and legal enforcement by the New Zealand government, respect for Māori rights established in the Treaty, and equality before the law for all citizens. Proponents argued that clarifying these principles would cultivate equality and social cohesion.
Opponents, however, warned that the bill could impose detrimental effects on Māori communities and exacerbate existing social divides. Prominent Māori activist Sharon Hawke expressed concerns that the legislation could reverse decades of progress towards improving the welfare of Māori individuals. Public submissions emphasized that the bill contradicted the Treaty’s values, raised concerns regarding international law compliance, and could tarnish New Zealand's global reputation.
Supporters also voiced the need for a national conversation about the Treaty, suggesting a referendum could be beneficial. Although the Treaty Principles Bill went through its first reading with support from the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had expressed disinterest in it prior to its second reading, indicating a desire to move on from the issue.
While the principles of the Treaty have never had formal legal definitions, they have evolved within various legislative contexts to address historical injustices faced by the Māori. The Act Party's proposal was built around three core principles: governance and legal enforcement by the New Zealand government, respect for Māori rights established in the Treaty, and equality before the law for all citizens. Proponents argued that clarifying these principles would cultivate equality and social cohesion.
Opponents, however, warned that the bill could impose detrimental effects on Māori communities and exacerbate existing social divides. Prominent Māori activist Sharon Hawke expressed concerns that the legislation could reverse decades of progress towards improving the welfare of Māori individuals. Public submissions emphasized that the bill contradicted the Treaty’s values, raised concerns regarding international law compliance, and could tarnish New Zealand's global reputation.
Supporters also voiced the need for a national conversation about the Treaty, suggesting a referendum could be beneficial. Although the Treaty Principles Bill went through its first reading with support from the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had expressed disinterest in it prior to its second reading, indicating a desire to move on from the issue.
