In a decisive parliamentary session on April 10, 2025, New Zealand’s lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected the contentious Treaty Principles Bill, with 112 votes against and only 11 in favor amid outrage. Proposed by the libertarian ACT New Zealand party, the bill sought to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, the foundational 1840 agreement between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. Critics argued that the bill would have significantly undermined Māori rights and disrupted the nation’s race relations.
The bill’s introduction ignited nationwide protests, culminating in one of New Zealand’s largest demonstrations. Over 40,000 people, including Māori leaders and supporters, marched to Parliament in Wellington, expressing their opposition.This mass mobilization was preceded by a nine-day hīkoi (march) from the northern regions to the capital, symbolizing widespread dissent.
Public engagement was further evidenced by a record-breaking 300,000 submissions to Parliament, with 90% opposing the bill. Legal experts, academics, and Māori leaders warned that the proposed legislation would erode Indigenous rights and violate the Treaty. Despite initial support from coalition partners for the bill’s first reading, both the National Party and New Zealand First ultimately voted against it. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was notably absent during the vote, while Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith criticized the bill as ill-suited for such a sensitive issue.
The bill’s defeat highlights the complexities of New Zealand’s coalition politics and the delicate balance required in addressing Indigenous rights. While the immediate threat posed by the bill has been averted, concerns persist regarding the government’s broader agenda and its potential impact on Māori-focused policies. The episode underscores the enduring significance of the Treaty of Waitangi and the collective commitment to safeguarding Indigenous rights in New Zealand.
Although the bill has been defeated, concerns persist about the coalition government’s broader agenda, including efforts to repeal references to the Treaty in existing laws and reduce targeted Māori support policies. The debate has underscored the enduring significance of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s legal and social framework, highlighting the necessity for continued vigilance in safeguarding Indigenous rights.
