Tens of Thousands March in Historic Protest for Māori Rights

An estimated 42,000 people gathered at New Zealand’s parliament on Tuesday, marking one of the largest protests in the nation’s history. The demonstration opposed the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, which seeks to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational document signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the Crown that protects Māori rights. The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty) began nine days earlier at Cape Reinga and culminated in Wellington. Protesters, adorned with the tino rangatiratanga flag, sang, performed haka, and carried signs reading “Kill the Bill” and “Ho

An estimated 42,000 people gathered at New Zealand’s parliament on Tuesday, marking one of the largest protests in the nation’s history. The demonstration opposed the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, which seeks to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational document signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the Crown that protects Māori rights. The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty) began nine days earlier at Cape Reinga and culminated in Wellington. Protesters, adorned with the tino rangatiratanga flag, sang, performed haka, and carried signs reading “Kill the Bill” and “Honor the Treaty.” Non-Māori allies also joined, protesting broader government policies affecting Māori, such as plans to disband the Māori Health Authority. Critics argue the bill undermines the treaty’s constitutional role and threatens Māori-Crown relations. Despite limited political support, the protest highlights growing nationwide resistance to policies seen as eroding Māori rights, signaling unified determination to uphold the treaty’s principles.