Power Struggle Over Maori Treaty Sparks Protests, Thousands Mobilize

Parliament Vote on Maori Treaty Bill Sparks Protests, Suspensions

New Zealand‘s parliament was thrown into chaos Thursday as two legislators were ejected during a tense debate on a divisive Bill that could redefine the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, the agreement between Indigenous Maori and the British Crown. This historic treaty promised Maori broad rights over their land and interests in exchange for ceding governance to Britain. Now, a new proposal aims to broaden these rights to all New Zealanders.

Opponents of the Bill, which was introduced by David Seymour, the leader of the ACT Party, said it would incite racial tension and violate constitutional principles, sparking public outrage. Despite the backlash, it managed to pass its first reading, revealing the complex alliances and political deals shaping New Zealand’s governance.

Opposition and Division

While the Bill’s success seems unlikely, it nonetheless reflects discomfort among some citizens over the progress made towards honouring Maori treaty rights. This proposal is part of a broader unease over New Zealand’s efforts to address past injustices against Maori, who have historically faced disadvantages across various metrics, from health and education to land ownership.

“What all of these principles have in common is that they afford Maori different rights from other New Zealanders,” stated Mr. Seymour, explaining his perspective. Yet, to those who support the treaty, these unique rights are essential for redressing historical wrongs.

Treaty Discrepancies and Historical Impact

For years, the Treaty of Waitangi’s promises were either ignored or misinterpreted, leading to significant Maori disenfranchisement. By the mid-20th century, Maori culture and language had been severely eroded, and much of their land was lost.

In the 1970s, however, Indigenous activists rallied for justice, pushing New Zealand’s courts and legislators to uphold the treaty’s principles, which include partnership with the Crown, participation in governance, and protection of Maori interests. Efforts to honour these promises have included billion-dollar land settlements, guaranteed Maori representation in government, and policies aimed at closing equity gaps.

Mr. Seymour, who is of Maori descent, argues that while these initiatives are commendable, the treaty’s principles have never been fully defined in law, leaving them open to interpretation and potentially dividing the nation.

Political Alliances Drive Vote Outcome

The bill’s advancement reflects the power of minor parties in New Zealand’s unique political system. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s party, needing support from ACT after the last election, agreed to back the treaty bill in its first vote as part of a coalition agreement with Mr. Seymour, despite Luxon’s personal disagreement.

Luxon, who was away at an APEC summit during the vote, promised this would be a one-time vote and publicly stated that the bill wouldn’t go further. “It’s simplistic to think the treaty’s principles can be settled ‘through the stroke of a pen,’” Luxon remarked to reporters, underlining the complexities involved.

Many government legislators echoed his sentiment, voting reluctantly for the bill while vocally opposing it. This created a highly charged atmosphere in parliament, with opponents hurling accusations and jeers.

Dramatic Protests Unfold

A series of dramatic protests marked the vote. Maori legislator Willie Jackson passionately denounced Mr. Seymour’s actions, shouting, “Shame! Shame on you, David Seymour!” Speaker Gerry Brownlee intervened, ejecting Jackson from the chamber for calling Seymour a liar.

Another confrontation erupted when Te Pati Maori’s Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, 22, led a powerful haka, a traditional Maori challenge chant. The chant quickly gained momentum as opposition members and spectators joined, filling the chamber with a roar that overwhelmed Speaker Brownlee’s attempts to restore order.

Unable to contain the protest, Brownlee suspended Maipi-Clarke and cleared the public gallery, halting the broadcast of parliamentary proceedings as the chaos continued.

Next Steps for the Bill

The bill will now enter a public submission phase, allowing citizens to voice their views before a second reading. Seymour hopes this process will generate enough public support to sway Luxon’s party, keeping the bill alive.

Meanwhile, opposition continues to grow. Thousands of demonstrators plan to converge in Wellington on Tuesday for what is anticipated to be one of New Zealand’s largest race relations marches, underscoring the tensions around this legislation.

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The ongoing debate highlights New Zealand’s struggle to balance historical obligations with modern societal values. For supporters of the Treaty of Waitangi, the treaty remains a crucial symbol of justice and partnership with Maori. For opponents, however, the current bill represents a push towards equality for all citizens.