The Te Pati Maori, a political party in New Zealand, has urged Maori people across the country to participate in demonstrations against the incoming government and its policies. These demonstrations are set to take place across the North Island on Tuesday.
In social media posts on Monday, Te Pati Maori announced that the protests in cities and urban centers will be targeting the government’s plans to reinterpret New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi.
The planned protests come at the same time as the opening of New Zealand’s parliament. Last month, a new center-right government composed of the National Party, New Zealand First, and ACT New Zealand was elected. The coalition agreement between these parties outlines intentions to undo policies that recognize Maori as the country’s original inhabitants and attempt to redress the wrongs of colonization.
One of the most contentious aspects of these plans is the introduction of a bill that would reinterpret the principles of the treaty. These principles emphasize the government’s responsibility to collaborate with Maori, safeguard Maori resources, and address the impacts of colonization.
Te Pati Maori has stated that the planned protests are meant to emphasize the enduring and everlasting power of the treaty, known as Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Maori. They are speaking out against the government’s proposed changes.
(Reporting by Lucy Craymer. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
