Treaty Principles Bill Rejected: Protests erupt in New Zealand over Māori Rights

In a powerful display of public will, New Zealand’s Parliament on Thursday rejected the Treaty Principles Bill New Zealand. The ACT Party forced the bill to redefine fundamental principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, the country’s founding agreement between Māori and the British Crown.

But after the weeks of widespread protests, fierce public opposition, and waning political support derailed the measure. It lost the second reading with 112 opposing votes and just 11 in support.

What is the Treaty Principles Bill?

The bill was proposed by ACT New Zealand, a right-wing party and leader David Seymour. He contended it would introduce clarity and contemporary relevance to the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty, signed in 1840 by more than 500 Māori chiefs and the British Crown, continues to shape law and policy today.

ACT desired Parliament to establish fixed principles for the Treaty rather than allowing it to be interpreted legally. Coalition partners—National and New Zealand First—supported the bill on its first reading, but they indicated that they would not vote it into law. The bill ultimately failed on its second reading.

Unprecedented protests across Aotearoa

Protests broke out shortly after the bill was unveiled. In November 2024, tens of thousands marched on Parliament in what had become one of the largest in the country’s history. The same protests erupted all over the country.

This wave of protests, known as Hīkoi mō te Tiriti, delivered a clear message. Over 90,000 submissions flowed in during the public consultation period. The opposition was not only loud—it was ongoing and coordinated.

Political blowback and Māori response

PM Christopher Luxon recognized that public input had rendered additional debate pointless. In opposition, however, were Māori MPs and community leaders who strongly opposed the bill. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson responded that the shelved law had “united communities across the motu.”

Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke organized a haka protest in Parliament to denounce the bill as an attack on Māori mana and partnership.

A victory for democracy and treaty justice

The defeat of the bill is more than a failed bill. It is a demonstration of public power and Māori solidarity influencing policy. Amidst an era where indigenous rights are being challenged worldwide, this outcome reminds us of the fundamental principles of the Treaty.

This also marks a turning point. Parliamentarians will now hesitate to try to rewrite foundation agreements against the wishes of the people.

The failure of the Treaty Principles Bill New Zealand is a victory for democracy and Māori rights. It shows that mass mobilization, when informed by history and justice, can still influence the future.