Massive Hīkoi Set to Converge on Wellington: A Call for Māori Rights

As New Zealand's capital gears up for a significant protest, thousands of participants in the nine-day hīkoi prepare to rally outside parliament against a controversial bill that seeks to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, amidst fears of diminishing indigenous rights under the current government.

New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, is poised for a large-scale demonstration as thousands gather to conclude a nine-day hīkoi, or peaceful protest, against a controversial bill that seeks to overhaul the principles underpinning the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational document between British colonisers and the Māori people. This rally, taking place outside parliament, is expected to draw up to 30,000 people, with hotels in the area already sold out.

The hīkoi has mobilized Māori activists and their allies who oppose the initiative introduced by a junior member of the governing coalition. Stan Lingman, who identifies as having both Māori and Swedish heritage, shared his thoughts about the movement: "They are trying to take our rights away. [The hikoi is] for all New Zealanders - white, yellow, pink, blue. We will fight against this bill." His wife, Pamela, echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the protest is for their grandchildren, referred to as "mokos" in Māori.

The 1840 Treaty of Waitangi is vital in shaping race relations in New Zealand, yet under the leadership of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, many Māori advocates fear their rights are precarious. The bill, proposed by the Act political party, asserts the need for a legal definition of the treaty's principles. David Seymour, the party leader and a supporter of the bill, argues that its interpretation has resulted in societal divisions rather than unity, calling the focus on ancestry a form of prejudice.

Critics claim Seymour is wasting time and driving political discord, with Prime Minister Luxon denouncing the bill as divisive. Despite these rifts, some supporters feel the protests have gone too far, with calls for a united New Zealand with equal rights for all. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party), emphasized that true equality remains elusive as long as indigenous people live in a state of disadvantage.

The strength of sentiment surrounding the protest was evident last week when MPs staged a haka, a traditional Māori dance, in parliament in opposition to the bill, a moment that resonated widely, even going viral. Ngarewa-Packer expressed her disappointment over the political situation, feeling it tarnishes New Zealand's international reputation as an advocate for indigenous rights.

Attendees are eager to witness the rally’s haka, which will focus on the Treaty of Waitangi. Organisers prepped participants in the lead-up, emphasizing the rally's significance as a movement for everyone—not just Māori. Rose Raharuhi Spicer, a grandmother participating in her fourth hīkoi, underlined the generational impact, stating, "This is our grandchildren’s legacy. It’s not just one person or one party."

Amid the preparations, Leah Land, a 26-year-old from Whangārei, created a sign reading 'Honour It, Don’t Edit It.' She expressed her intrinsic connection to the land via the treaty, advocating for a New Zealand where Māori can thrive safely. As New Zealand approaches this monumental gathering, the sentiments of unity, support, and the demand for Māori rights echo strongly throughout the capital.