Waitangi Day in New Zealand overshadowed by treaty controversy

Waitangi Day, New Zealand's national day, is usually a time for reflecting on the past, but this year's observance was overshadowed by anger about the future. On the eve of the public holiday, at a gathering of political leaders, protesters twice snatched the microphone from ACT Party leader David Seymour, while onlookers wearing symbols of Māori sovereignty turned their backs in protest. These actions underscored the deep divisions and passionate feelings surrounding the day.

Seymour stated that while some people turned their backs, "others actually moved their chairs forward." He added, "You can try and suppress ideas, but actually people are capable of making up their own minds." This comment reflected the complex sentiments surrounding the current political atmosphere and the ongoing debates about the nation's future direction.

The anger surrounding Waitangi Day stems from a controversial plan to redefine New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, thereby reshaping the relationship between New Zealand and Māori. Criticism of the proposed legislation, ranging from subtle to outright, permeated official ceremonies. One religious leader alluded to the treaty as a marriage gone sour during a dawn service. "Renegotiating the terms of a marriage usually requires both parties," said Methodist church president Te Aroha Rountree. "It seems our spouse, the Crown, has filed for divorce while we were blissfully unaware."

Rountree further stated, "I don't think there's any possibility of Māori succeeding in the face of this legislation disguised as equality for all." Following the ceremony, Seymour commented that many "good Christians" did not share the views expressed by some religious figures. "If people wonder why church attendance is plummeting, people are walking away from Christianity, according to the latest census, it's because people try to politicize things," he said. "If I as a politician started preaching every day, my approval ratings would probably go down."

Waitangi Day is a multi-day series of events, including summits and cultural celebrations, centered in northern New Zealand, the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. The treaty, signed between the British Crown and over 500 Māori chiefs, paved the way for New Zealand's annexation while requiring the Crown to protect Māori property and grant signatories full rights as British subjects. However, Seymour argues that interpretations of the treaty to date have been too broad, too vague, and have granted Māori privileges over other ethnicities. He states that his Treaty Principles Bill would give the government "full governing power" and create laws "in the best interests of all."

But this proposal, along with other recent government efforts to dismantle Māori-specific programs, has sparked fierce opposition. Waitangi Day traditionally begins with the National Iwi Chairs Forum, where Māori leaders gather to discuss their goals for the year; however, this year, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his cabinet were not invited. While the Prime Minister traditionally attends Waitangi Day events at the treaty grounds, Luxon chose to spend the day in Akaroa, in the South Island, this year. Luxon cited Akaroa's personal significance and the fact that other Māori chiefs signed the treaty there in 1840. The Prime Minister himself does not support the Treaty Principles Bill, and while he helped it secure a first reading, he has vowed to ensure it never becomes law.

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins stated that the Prime Minister "should show some leadership" and attend events at the treaty grounds "on this day when we talk about the future of the country." Seymour dismissed the notion that the Prime Minister's absence signified a lack of support. "I don't rely on Chris's support. I think he relies on mine," he said. While views on the Treaty of Waitangi may vary widely across New Zealand, iconic New Zealand actor Sam Neill appeared to call for unity, urging New Zealand to "respect the treaty" and remember "the extraordinary beauty of the place we inhabit." "In a world that seems so dark and even mad, we seem to be an oasis of calm and reason," he said in a pre-recorded message played on TVNZ's official broadcast. "We're not perfect, we know that, but let's keep trying to do better."