By Layla Baboli
In one of the largest protests in the nation’s history, over 40,000 people gathered outside New Zealand’s Parliament on Tuesday 12th November. The demonstration marked the culmination of a nine-day hīkoi (a peaceful march) opposing the Treaty Principles Bill.
The Treaty Principles Bill, introduced by Member of Parliament David Seymour of the Libertarian ACT Party, seeks to legally change the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, a founding 1840 agreement between British colonists and Māori leaders. Critics argue this reinterpretation threatens the relationship between the government and its Indigenous Māori population, sparking widespread outrage.
The large scale of the protest surpassed that of previous historic marches. It far exceeded the 5,000-strong 1975 hīkoi for land rights and the 2004 rally for coastal and seabed ownership, solidifying its place as one of New Zealand’s largest demonstrations. The marchers, dressed in the colours of the Māori flag, filled the streets of Wellington before converging on New Zealand’s Parliament building. The Māori Queen, Ngā Wai hono i te pō, led the crowd onto the Parliament’s grounds, symbolising unity and the cultural significance of the protest.
The Treaty Principles Bill has become a critical moment in New Zealand’s political view. The ACT Party argues that the Treaty’s principles have contributed to divisions by creating different rights based on heritage, and claims the bill would promote equality by ensuring all citizens have the same legal status. However, others see the bill as an attack on indigenous rights. Many Māori leaders and activists believe that equality cannot exist when indigenous communities continue to face systemic disadvantages in health, education, and economic opportunities.
Even within the government, the bill has sparked disagreement with Māori politicians performing hīkori and suspending parliament. The National Party, part of the ruling coalition, announced it would not support the legislation. The party maintained that a comprehensive approach is needed to address such a historically significant document, rather than making abrupt changes.
The controversy also highlights broader concerns about the treatment of Māori in New Zealand. Critics fear the bill is part of a wider agenda to diminish Indigenous rights and reduce the Treaty’s significance. Despite the tensions, the hīkoi was a unifying moment for many. Organisers emphasised its inclusive nature, welcoming support from non-Māori, Pacific Islanders and New Zealanders of all backgrounds.
Protesters prepared for the march by learning the words and movements of a haka dedicated to the Treaty of Waitangi, creating a striking display of cultural pride. For many participants, the event carried deep personal significance, with families bringing children and grandchildren to share in the experience and uphold the legacy of the Treaty.
As the protests fade, the debate over the Treaty Principles Bill remains a stark reminder of the challenges in balancing historical agreements with modern interpretations of equality.