A controversial bill that sought to redefine the legal interpretation of Aotearoa’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, has been overwhelmingly rejected in Parliament.
Only 11 ACT Party MPs voted in favor of the Treaty Principles Bill, while all other parties—including coalition partners National and New Zealand First—opposed it. The resounding defeat sparked emotional celebrations in the chamber, with MPs and public observers breaking into the waiata Tūtira mai ngā iwi as Speaker Gerry Brownlee called for order.
A Victory for Māori Voices
Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, a leading opponent of the bill, celebrated the outcome, declaring:
"This bill has been absolutely annihilated. We had two choices: to live or to die. We chose to live."
She argued that the widespread opposition to the bill proved New Zealand was not as divided as some had claimed.
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| The hīkoi united ten-of-thousands across Aotearoa in a powerful display of Māori resistance and solidarity. (Image: AP Photo) |
What Was the Treaty Principles Bill?
Proposed by ACT leader David Seymour as part of a coalition agreement, the bill aimed to:
- Replace decades of legal Treaty interpretation with a stricter definition.
- Remove established principles like partnership and Māori self-determination.
- Put the changes to a national referendum.
Despite initially allowing the bill to proceed, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not participate in the final debate or vote. National’s Māori Development Minister, Tama Potaka, had previously said he looked forward to its "cremation."
Massive Public Opposition
The bill faced fierce resistance from the start:
- Over 300,000 public submissions were made, most in opposition.
- A historic hīkoi (march) in November saw 40,000 people protest at Parliament.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins condemned the bill as "a grubby little bill, born of a grubby little deal" and "a stain on our country."
Seymour Vows to "Fight On"
Despite the defeat, David Seymour remained defiant, stating:
"A free society takes hard work and uneasy conversations. I'm proud my party has the bravery to raise uneasy topics."
He pledged to continue his efforts, though the bill’s rejection signals strong parliamentary support for upholding current Treaty interpretations.
Why This Decision Matters Beyond Aotearoa
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, remains central to New Zealand’s legal and cultural identity. Courts and the Waitangi Tribunal have long relied on its principles to guide rulings.
The bill’s failure also resonates internationally, particularly in countries like Australia, where Indigenous rights face similar challenges. Recent moves, such as Queensland’s cancellation of its Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry, have raised concerns about governments backtracking on commitments to Indigenous self-determination.
Conclusion: A Rejection of Regression
The overwhelming defeat of the Treaty Principles Bill reinforces that Aotearoa values its Treaty partnership with Māori—and that attempts to weaken Indigenous rights face fierce resistance. While debates over the Treaty’s interpretation will continue, this vote sends a clear message: Māori rights are not up for renegotiation.
Also Read: Māori TV Presenter Responds to Online Criticism with a Powerful Message.
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