Waitangi Day: Thousands gather in NZ as Māori rights in focus

Several events were held in Waitangi, in northern New Zealand, with thousands participating in celebrations of the country's national day. At the same time, a heated debate unfolded surrounding the future of New Zealand's founding document.

Waitangi Day marks the first signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Māori) in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended an event in the South Island, stating that the day is an opportunity to reflect on New Zealand's past and plan for the future.

However, this year's celebrations come amid heightened tensions. Some policies being pursued by the New Zealand government are considered by some to be anti-Māori. A bill aimed at reinterpreting the 185-year-old Treaty of Waitangi by a minority partner in the ruling coalition has also sparked anger and disappointment. Although Luxon has indicated that the bill will not pass, it prompted a record number of protesters to participate in peaceful marches (hikoi in Māori) last November.

As peaceful gatherings took place across the country, some community leaders expressed their disappointment. At a dawn service in the Bay of Islands, Methodist leader Te Aroha Rountree likened the relationship between the Crown and Māori to a marriage, accusing the Crown of suggesting "divorce" while Māori remained "blissfully unaware." At a subsequent protest in Wellington, Anaru Rielly, an activist from Tiriti Action Poneke, accused the government of "attacking tangata whenua (Indigenous people) on all fronts" and eroding their rights.

Luxon's decision to spend the day with Ngāi Tahu, the largest iwi (Māori tribe) in the South Island, instead of going to Waitangi, also drew mixed reactions. His political opponents accused him of cowardice, while Ngāi Tahu welcomed the Prime Minister to celebrate with them, stating that it was a moment to "reflect on our shared history... and strengthen the relationship between tangata whenua (Māori) and the Crown for the benefit of all our communities." Addressing a large crowd at Ōnuku Marae in Akaroa, Luxon praised New Zealanders' continued ability to "address past grievances and move forward," adding that this was "something that many other countries in the world have failed to achieve." He also stated, "The relationship between the Crown and Māori will continue to be strong and based on respect and partnership."

The Treaty of Waitangi was signed at Waitangi on February 6, 1840, by many (but not all) Māori tribes and the British Crown, granting certain rights and privileges to both parties. For Māori, this included retaining chieftainship over their lands and resources, but differences between the Māori and English versions of the treaty have made it susceptible to varying interpretations. Nevertheless, promises to protect Indigenous land rights were repeatedly broken, and the resulting economic and cultural impacts, coupled with racial discrimination, have led to an inequality that is still being addressed today.

It is against this backdrop that the anniversary of the treaty's signing has become an important day for discussing the state of relations between Māori and the nation. This year's anniversary comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Treaty Principles Bill. The bill's proponent, ACT Party leader David Seymour, attended related events, despite being asked not to by his hapū (sub-tribe). Supporters of the bill say it will promote equality among New Zealanders, but opponents say it is divisive and will further undermine Māori interests.

Concerns about the bill are so high that a national forum representing multiple iwi (Māori tribes) recently wrote to King Charles, New Zealand's head of state, requesting his assistance. "We seek your intervention to ensure the Government does not undermine the honour of the Crown," the open letter stated. "Please remind them of their duty to act on your behalf as an honourable partner."

While the bill is unlikely to pass—Luxon and his majority National Party have pledged not to support it at its second reading later this year—some who have participated in public hearings have said that the bill's very existence is an insult. This includes former Justice Minister Kiritapu Allan, who described the proposed legislation as "an abomination." She said, "This bill seeks to erase us [Māori] from history." Others have supported the bill. Economist Ananish Chaudhuri said that a conversation about enshrining treaty principles in law is needed if New Zealand is to continue to be a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation. He also argued against different cultures in New Zealand being treated differently, calling his country of birth, India, a "cautionary tale." Other measures taken by the government that have sparked anger include disbanding the Māori Health Authority—an agency established under the previous Labour government in an effort to achieve greater health equity—and removing Māori names from government departments.