Thousands March to Wellington Against Treaty Principles Bill
In New Zealand, thousands of people are marching to the capital, Wellington, to protest a new bill that changes the country’s founding agreement between the British and the Indigenous Maori people. Around 10,000 protesters have already marched through Rotorua, expressing their opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill. As they head towards Wellington, they are supported by many waving the Maori flag.
The march, known as a hikoi in the Maori language, is expected to reach Wellington on Tuesday. Participants are holding rallies in towns and cities along the way after the bill passed its first parliamentary reading. The ACT New Zealand party, part of the governing coalition, introduced the bill. They argue that the rights given to Indigenous Maori under the treaty should be extended to all New Zealanders.
The ACT party shared on social media that they will not allow New Zealanders to be silenced for their views and believe in resolving issues through debate and discussion. However, the Maori people, who make up about 20% of New Zealand’s population, oppose the bill, fearing it will harm racial harmony and undermine Indigenous rights.
During the parliamentary vote, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, a 22-year-old legislator from the Te Pati Maori party, tore up a copy of the bill and led a traditional haka dance, causing a brief suspension of parliament. The Treaty Principles Bill, introduced on November 7, 2024, aims to define the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in law. The Treaty, signed in 1840, is a key document that guides the relationship between the Crown and Maori, promising to protect Maori culture while allowing the Crown to govern New Zealand.
Doubts Revealed
Wellington -: Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, similar to how New Delhi is the capital of India.
Treaty Principles Bill -: The Treaty Principles Bill is a proposed law in New Zealand that aims to change how the Treaty of Waitangi, an important agreement between the British and Maori people, is understood.
ACT New Zealand -: ACT New Zealand is a political party in New Zealand, like how we have different political parties in India such as BJP or Congress.
Maori people -: The Maori are the Indigenous people of New Zealand, similar to how we have various Indigenous tribes in India.
Haka dance -: The haka is a traditional Maori dance that is often performed to show strength and unity, much like some traditional dances in India that express cultural stories and emotions.
Treaty of Waitangi -: The Treaty of Waitangi is a historic agreement signed in 1840 between the British and Maori chiefs, similar to important treaties in Indian history that shaped relationships between different groups.
