Probably the largest protest in the country's history in support of Maori rights took place after a peaceful march that lasted nine days across the country to the capital Wellington.
Reported by UNN with reference to SIC Notícias and The Guardian.
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Approximately 35 to 50 thousand people joined the demonstration on the last day of the nine-day march against the proposal, which calls into question the status of the indigenous Maori population.
The key part of the rally took place near the New Zealand Parliament.
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The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 to establish peace between the indigenous Maori people and the British colonizers. The principles of the Treaty provide a framework for promoting partnerships between indigenous and non-indigenous people in New Zealand.
The treaty, which was written in two languages, is interpreted differently. According to the Maori, they should be “allowed to use their territory and nature without hindrance”. But in the English version, this applies only to lands that have already been cultivated by Maori.
What also influenced the beginning of the protest
The protest was held in response to a bill by David Seymour, leader of New Zealand's ACT coalition party. He claims that the Treaty of Waitangi promotes inequality. Therefore, he wants to amend the treaty.
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Former Conservative Prime Minister Jenny Shipley said that the proposal threatened to “split New Zealand.
The current Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has promised that the bill will not be passed, and he is also criticized for allowing it to be discussed in parliament.
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Seymour's idea has caused considerable anger among the population, academics and human rights organizations. They believe that this policy “causes divisions and undermines relations between Maori and the government.