In a decisive vote, New Zealand's Treaty Principles Bill has been rejected 112 to 11 at its second reading, following significant public backlash. The bill aimed to legally redefine the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, inciting widespread protests that saw over 40,000 demonstrators rally outside the parliament last year. Political consensus settled against the bill, with only members of the right-wing Act Party supporting it. Act leader David Seymour reaffirmed his commitment to reintroducing similar legislation in the future, citing the need for clarity regarding Treaty principles. The parliamentary debate was heated, with Labour MP Willie Jackson being removed after calling Seymour a "liar." The bill, which would not have altered the Treaty itself but aimed to clarify its principles, was met with significant public opposition, leading to the largest response to a proposed bill in New Zealand's history—over 300,000 submissions, mostly against. Critics argued the measure would compound social divisions and threaten the advancements made in Māori rights over the last 30 years. Opponents emphasized the need for equality with equity, considering the historical context of colonization, unlike supporters who advocated for a unified vision of equality for all New Zealanders. Ultimately, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reflected on the importance of moving beyond this contentious issue.
New Zealand's Controversial Treaty Principles Bill Fails Amid Public Outcry
New Zealand's Controversial Treaty Principles Bill Fails Amid Public Outcry
New Zealand's parliament votes against a bill aimed at redefining Treaty principles after massive protests.
New Zealand's Controversial Treaty Principles Bill Fails Amid Public Outcry
New Zealand's parliament votes against a bill aimed at redefining Treaty principles after massive protests.
In a decisive vote, New Zealand's Treaty Principles Bill has been rejected 112 to 11 at its second reading, following significant public backlash. The bill aimed to legally redefine the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, inciting widespread protests that saw over 40,000 demonstrators rally outside the parliament last year. Political consensus settled against the bill, with only members of the right-wing Act Party supporting it. Act leader David Seymour reaffirmed his commitment to reintroducing similar legislation in the future, citing the need for clarity regarding Treaty principles. The parliamentary debate was heated, with Labour MP Willie Jackson being removed after calling Seymour a "liar." The bill, which would not have altered the Treaty itself but aimed to clarify its principles, was met with significant public opposition, leading to the largest response to a proposed bill in New Zealand's history—over 300,000 submissions, mostly against. Critics argued the measure would compound social divisions and threaten the advancements made in Māori rights over the last 30 years. Opponents emphasized the need for equality with equity, considering the historical context of colonization, unlike supporters who advocated for a unified vision of equality for all New Zealanders. Ultimately, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reflected on the importance of moving beyond this contentious issue.
New Zealand's parliament votes against a bill aimed at redefining Treaty principles after massive protests.
In a decisive vote, New Zealand's Treaty Principles Bill has been rejected 112 to 11 at its second reading, following significant public backlash. The bill aimed to legally redefine the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, inciting widespread protests that saw over 40,000 demonstrators rally outside the parliament last year. Political consensus settled against the bill, with only members of the right-wing Act Party supporting it. Act leader David Seymour reaffirmed his commitment to reintroducing similar legislation in the future, citing the need for clarity regarding Treaty principles. The parliamentary debate was heated, with Labour MP Willie Jackson being removed after calling Seymour a "liar." The bill, which would not have altered the Treaty itself but aimed to clarify its principles, was met with significant public opposition, leading to the largest response to a proposed bill in New Zealand's history—over 300,000 submissions, mostly against. Critics argued the measure would compound social divisions and threaten the advancements made in Māori rights over the last 30 years. Opponents emphasized the need for equality with equity, considering the historical context of colonization, unlike supporters who advocated for a unified vision of equality for all New Zealanders. Ultimately, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reflected on the importance of moving beyond this contentious issue.
