Thousands of determined Kiwis are making their way down the North Island of New Zealand on a nine-day march that kicked off at Cape Reinga. Their mission? To get to Wellington and protest a bill that’s stirring up big conversations about the Treaty of Waitangi and the role of Māori in New Zealand’s society.
This hikoi, or march, is led by the group Toitu Te Tiriti, or Honour the Treaty, and is meant to shine a light on the Treaty of Waitangi. The treaty, agreed upon by British Crown representatives and more than 500 Māori chiefs, was supposed to lay the foundation for how New Zealand would be governed, balancing both British and Māori interests. However, how people interpret this treaty has changed over the years, and that’s where the controversy heats up.
The current government, led by the ACT New Zealand party, introduced a new bill last week known as the Treaty Principles Bill. This bill aims to narrow down how the Treaty of Waitangi is interpreted, which has sparked a massive debate. Supporters of the bill say it would allow Parliament to handle these treaty matters, rather than letting the courts or the Māori tribunal have the final say. They argue that current policies, which often support Māori communities, might be putting non-Indigenous Kiwis at a disadvantage.
However, many Māori and supporters believe this bill would undo years of progress toward fairness and equality for Indigenous people in Aotearoa (New Zealand). For them, the Treaty of Waitangi isn’t just a historical document—it’s the heart of their relationship with the land and its people. Protesters hope the march will spark greater understanding among all New Zealanders about Māori history, rights, and contributions to the country.
The hikoi is planned to pass through several towns and cities on its way south, with a huge rally scheduled for Auckland on Wednesday. When it reaches Wellington, it’s expected to draw tens of thousands of protesters.
Whether the bill passes or not, this movement aims to keep the spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi alive and inspire New Zealanders to come together in mutual respect and understanding.
