Māori Haka Disrupts New Zealand Parliament Amid Controversial Treaty Bill Debate

In New Zealand's parliament, a haka led by MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke momentarily halted discussions on a contentious bill seeking to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi. Amidst growing protests and a significant hīkoi march toward Wellington, critics fear the proposed legislation threatens Māori rights and the nation's multicultural foundation.

New Zealand's parliament experienced a rare disruption as MPs performed a traditional haka, expressing outrage over a proposed bill that seeks to reinterpret the historic Treaty of Waitangi with Māori. The spirited display was initiated by opposition party MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke during a critical parliamentary session on Thursday, coinciding with a broader peaceful protest march, or hīkoi, directed toward the capital, Wellington. This march, organized by a Māori rights group, has seen thousands join its 10-day journey against the contentious bill, which left Auckland on Wednesday after starting in the country’s far north.

Opponents of the legislation express deep concerns regarding the potential implications for Māori rights, which New Zealand is often seen as a leader in protecting. The Act party, responsible for proposing the bill, argues that a legal definition of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi—established in 1840—will address the divisions they claim exist over race relations and ensure equitable treatment in legislation rather than relying on judicial interpretation.

Despite being part of the coalition government, even Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has denounced the bill as divisive, as the ruling coalition endorses the first reading, resulting in the suspension of Maipi-Clarke from the parliamentary session. Many predict that the bill will not proceed to a second reading, given that coalition partners have signaled dissent.

The hīkoi gathered momentum as marchers crossed Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, a powerful symbol of unity, with estimates citing about 5,000 participants. Community members like Danielle Moreau and Winston Pond articulated their motivations for participating, emphasizing the significance of the Treaty to New Zealand’s identity and the need for an inclusive society.

Augustine O’Connell voiced worries that the proposed bill represents a fundamental shift from existing treaty principles already seen as a compromise and could exacerbate existing disparities. The principles proposed in the bill include governmental rights and equal treatment for all, which proponents like Act leader David Seymour argue protect the notion of fairness, countering the current interpretation that could be perceived as unequal.

The Waitangi Tribunal, which investigates treaty breaches, criticized the bill for its lack of consultation with Māori, indicating that it undermines the collaborative spirit intended by the Treaty. This proposed legislation is set against a backdrop of recent government changes that have caused concern among Māori groups, including the closure of health initiatives aimed at promoting equity.

The Treaty of Waitangi, integral to New Zealand's history, continues to incite debate, especially considering its original text in English and Māori contains critical discrepancies regarding sovereignty and authority. Although not legally binding, its principles have permeated numerous legislative measures over time. Now, the bill is poised for a six-month public hearing process, where public opinion may further shape its fate.