35,000 Protest NZ Bill Redefining Waitangi Treaty

In New Zealand's capital, Wellington, over 35,000 people participated in a historic protest against a bill seeking to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational document between Māori chiefs and the British crown. The march, one of the largest in New Zealand's history, was organized by the Māori community and their supporters, opposing the bill introduced by the libertarian ACT Party, which critics argue could weaken indigenous rights. Although the bill is unlikely to pass, it has sparked significant debate over issues of race relations and identity in modern New Zealand. Demonstrators expressed their solidarity through cultural symbols, including the Māori flag and traditional haka chants. The protest highlights ongoing tensions regarding the interpretation of the treaty, which has been central to the discourse on Māori rights and New Zealand's colonial history. The protest concluded after a nine-day hīkoi, underscoring the deep-rooted concerns of the Māori community about preserving the treaty's principles.