RNZ News: Analysis of the Hīkoi Protesting Against the Treaty Principles Bill

A group of protesters from across New Zealand arrived in Parliament grounds on November 19, 2024, to voice their opposition to the proposed Treaty Principles Bill. The bill aims to reframe the concept of tino rangatiratanga, or Māori sovereignty, and grant it a higher status under the New Zealand Constitution.

The hīkoi, which translates to “carrying the message,” was organized by various Māori iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes) to express their concerns about the bill. The protesters wore traditional clothing and carried signs that read “Kill the bill” and “Tino rangatiratanga is not a threat, it’s a promise.”

The ACT Party leader, David Seymour, has been a vocal critic of the bill, stating that it would create two separate systems with different rules for Māori and non-Māori citizens. However, Māori activists argue that tino rangatiratanga is about recognizing and respecting their rights as indigenous people, not creating divisions.

Māori activist, Te Kiri Takurau, argued that the bill would allow New Zealand to fulfill its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. “Tino rangatiratanga is about helping everyone,” she said. “It’s a way for us to provide better solutions and actually fix things that are objectively undeniably broken in the system.”

Takurau also rejected Seymour’s assertion that tino rangatiratanga would lead to unequal treatment of citizens. “All New Zealanders are equal under law in Aotearoa, under the Humans Rights Act and the Bill of Rights,” she said.

The protesters were met with a mix of support and criticism from lawmakers. Some MPs praised the hīkoi for bringing attention to the issue, while others argued that the bill was necessary to address historical injustices against Māori.

In response to the protests, ACT Party leader David Seymour expressed his disagreement with Te Kiri Takurau’s interpretation of the bill in a video shared on social media. He stated that the bill failed to present the “full picture” and that it would create two separate systems with different rules.

However, Te Kiri Takurau countered Seymour’s position by quoting him from an earlier statement where he said, “What is good for everyone is good for Māori.” She argued that this statement was a lie, as Māori face disproportionate rates of imprisonment, poor health outcomes, and high rates of suicide.

The protests have highlighted the ongoing debate about tino rangatiratanga and its implications for New Zealand society. As the bill moves forward in Parliament, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will find a way to balance competing interests and priorities.

In conclusion, the hīkoi protesting against the Treaty Principles Bill has brought attention to the complex issue of tino rangatiratanga and its potential impact on New Zealand society. While differing opinions and perspectives are evident, one thing is clear: the future of this country’s relationship with its indigenous people will be shaped by the decisions made in Parliament today.