Thousands gather in New Zealand for Waitangi Day highlighting Māori rights
Thousands gathered in Waitangi, northern New Zealand, to commemorate the country’s national day amid rising tensions over government policies affecting Māori rights. Waitangi Day, which marks the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, holds deep historical significance as New Zealand’s founding document. However, this year’s celebrations have been overshadowed by political divisions, protests, and debates over Indigenous rights.
In an unprecedented move, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon chose not to attend the commemorations at Waitangi, instead marking the occasion in the South Island with Ngāi Tahu, the region’s largest iwi (tribe). Luxon’s decision comes as his government faces criticism for policies perceived by some as anti-Māori, including the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, which seeks to redefine the treaty’s legal interpretation.
Tensions were visible on Wednesday when hundreds of Māori protesters staged a silent demonstration at Waitangi, turning their backs on government ministers as a sign of discontent. Act Party leader David Seymour, who spearheaded the Treaty Principles Bill, had his microphone cut off twice during the event. Protesters, led by the Toitū te Tiriti movement, which organized the largest-ever Māori rights demonstration in 2024, expressed frustration over what they see as continued disregard for Māori voices.
“We are sick of talking to ears that will not listen, and to minds that will not change,” said Eru Kapa-Kingi of Toitū te Tiriti. The bill, which its proponents argue promotes equality among all New Zealanders, has been widely condemned by Māori leaders who believe it will further marginalize Indigenous communities. Concerns over the proposed legislation have even reached international levels, with a national Māori forum appealing to King Charles to intervene.
Luxon defended his decision not to attend the Waitangi commemorations, describing the day as an opportunity for reflection and unity. In a video message from Akaroa, he emphasized the treaty’s significance in both New Zealand’s history and future, highlighting the importance of Māori communities thriving for the benefit of the entire nation. While reaffirming his commitment to maintaining respectful dialogue, he did not directly address concerns surrounding the Treaty Principles Bill.
His political opponents accused him of avoiding accountability, arguing that his absence from Waitangi demonstrated a lack of commitment to representing all New Zealanders. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson criticized the decision, stating that by choosing not to attend, the prime minister was distancing himself from important discussions about Māori rights and governance.
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed by many but not all Māori tribes and the British Crown on February 6, 1840, promised Indigenous communities sovereignty over their lands and resources. However, disputes over the differing Māori and English versions of the treaty, coupled with historical breaches of Indigenous land rights, have led to longstanding inequalities that continue to shape New Zealand’s political landscape.
Other government actions, such as the disbanding of the Māori Health Authority and the removal of Māori names from government departments, have further fueled criticism of Luxon’s administration. While the Treaty Principles Bill is unlikely to pass, given that Luxon’s National Party has pledged not to support it in its second reading, its mere existence has sparked a national debate about Māori rights, representation, and the future of race relations in New Zealand.