Thousands of protesters rallied against the New Zealand government’s Indigenous policies on Tuesday as the Parliament convened for the first time since October elections. The demonstrations, organized by the minor Maori Party, took place in the capital, Wellington, and in about a dozen other cities and towns across New Zealand.
The protesters were advocating for the rights of Indigenous New Zealanders, known as Maori, and were expressing their opposition to what they described as “anti-Maori” policies of the newly elected conservative-led coalition government. Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi criticized the new government’s policies, stating that they would take New Zealand “back to the 1800s.”
The National Party-led government has promised to review the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundation document signed by British colonists and Maori chiefs in 1840, and potentially implement changes to how it affects modern laws. Additionally, potential changes to the Maori Health Authority, responsible for meeting Maori health needs within the New Zealand health system, have also been foreshadowed.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s administration has expressed a commitment to improving outcomes for both Maori and non-Maori. However, the Maori Party and its supporters have voiced their concerns and opposition to the government’s proposed policies.
Lawmakers were sworn in on Tuesday after the October elections, which resulted in the center-left Labour Party government being ousted from power. The Maori Party won six seats in the 123-seat Parliament, and their presence was marked by traditional Indigenous performances and attire during the swearing-in ceremony.
The protests have sparked debate and division among political parties, with some criticizing the Maori Party’s actions as “divisive theatrics,” while others express support for their cause. The ongoing demonstrations highlight the importance of Indigenous rights and the need for continued advocacy for equality and respect for Indigenous communities in New Zealand.
References:
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/thousands-protest-indigenous-policies-new-zealand government-lawmakers-105377025
Written by: Astha Dubey, Lloyd Law College, A first year legal journalism intern at Legal Vidhiya.
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