WELLINGTON, New Zealand — On Tuesday, tens of thousands gathered in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, creating an atmosphere more akin to a celebration or parade than a protest.
Their demonstration opposed a bill impacting the relationship between Indigenous Māori and the British Crown. However, for many, it was also a commemoration of a culture nearly eradicated by colonization.
“We’re fighting for the rights our ancestors fought for,” explained Shanell Bob, awaiting the march’s commencement. “We’re fighting for our children and grandchildren, so they can have what we haven’t,” she added, using the Māori words for children and grandchildren.
This gathering, potentially the nation’s largest-ever protest in support of Māori rights—a persistent theme in New Zealand’s history—continued a tradition of peaceful, nationwide marches marking significant national moments.
“We’re going for a walk!” an organizer announced to the assembled crowds, who had travelled from across the country over the previous nine days.
For many, the turnout showcased growing non-Māori support for Indigenous rights. People of all ages and ethnicities waited at bus stops with Māori sovereignty flags. Some schools excused student attendance. The city’s mayor even participated in the protest.
The bill protesters oppose alters the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi. However, widespread opposition reflects increased awareness of the treaty’s promises to Māori—and a vocal counter-reaction from those opposing court and legislative efforts to uphold those promises.
Māori advocating for their rights is not unprecedented. But participants described this demonstration as larger and different in tone than previous treaty marches.
“It’s different to when I was a child,” Bob remarked. “We’re stronger now, our children are stronger now, they know who they are, they’re proud of who they are.”
As the march progressed through Wellington’s streets, accompanied by Māori haka and waiata, thousands more lined the pavements in support.
Some signs featured jokes or criticisms of the lawmakers behind the bill, which would redefine the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, preventing its application solely to Māori chiefs who signed it during New Zealand’s colonization.
Others declared “proud to be Māori” or identified the bearer’s non-Māori heritage in support. Some denounced the extensive appropriation of Māori land during colonization, a central grievance stemming from the treaty.
“The treaty is a document that lets us be here in Aotearoa, so holding it up and respecting it is really important,” stated Ben Ogilvie, of New Zealand European descent, using the Māori name for the country. “I hate what this government is doing to tear it down.”
Police estimated 42,000 people attempted to gather on Parliament’s grounds, overflowing into surrounding streets. People utilized even children’s play equipment for a better view; the overall atmosphere was joyous, with impromptu Māori songs—commonly taught in New Zealand schools—breaking out.
A vast expanse of red, black, and white Māori sovereignty flags filled the lawn and streets. However, other flags represented Samoa, Tonga, Indigenous Australia, the U.S., Palestine, and Israel. Parliament speeches highlighted the protest’s cause—a proposed law altering the meaning of words in the nation’s founding treaty, codifying them, and extending their application to all citizens.
The bill’s author, libertarian lawmaker David Seymour—who is Māori—argues that decades of redress for treaty breaches have resulted in preferential treatment for Indigenous people, a stance he opposes.
Critics contend the bill would disrupt the constitution, diminish Indigenous rights, and incite divisive rhetoric about Māori—who remain disadvantaged across numerous social and economic indicators despite decades of attempts to rectify treaty-related inequities.
While unlikely to pass, a political agreement ensured its first-stage approval last Thursday. Seymour stated on Tuesday that public submissions are now open, anticipating increased support.
Seymour briefly observed the protest from Parliament’s forecourt, though he wasn’t among the invited speakers. Some in the crowd booed him.
The protest was “a long time coming,” commented Papa Heta, a marcher, emphasizing Māori’s desire for acknowledgement and respect.
“We hope that we can unite with our Pākehā friends, Europeans,” he added. “Unfortunately, there are those that make decisions that put us in a difficult place.”
