New Zealand Parliament Rejects Controversial Bill on Maori Treaty Redefinition
WELLINGTON – After months of nationwide debate and widespread protests, New Zealand’s parliament decisively voted down a bill on Thursday that aimed to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi — a foundational document that shapes the country’s governance and indigenous relations.
Originally signed in 1840 by over 500 Maori leaders and representatives of the British Crown, the Treaty of Waitangi remains central to New Zealand’s legal and political systems. Its interpretation influences many aspects of national policy and law.
The bill, proposed by David Seymour’s ACT New Zealand party, which secured 8.6% of the party vote in the 2023 elections, sought to have parliament formally define the treaty’s principles. Seymour claimed the legislation would bring clarity and encourage open discussion about the treaty’s constitutional role.
Despite ACT’s push, its coalition allies — the National Party and New Zealand First — only agreed to back the bill for its initial reading, making clear they would not support it into law.
When put to a second vote, the bill was overwhelmingly defeated, with 112 members voting against and only 11 in favor.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson celebrated the result, saying, “The Treaty Principles Bill is dead, but our fight for justice under Te Tiriti o Waitangi continues. Rather than dividing people, this bill brought communities together in defense of our founding agreement.”
Public opposition to the bill has been strong. In November, tens of thousands of New Zealanders gathered in one of the country’s largest protests, marching to parliament to voice their rejection. The proposed legislation also triggered an outpouring of submissions to the parliamentary committee reviewing it.
