In a historic show of unity, at least 42,000 people gathered outside New Zealand’s Parliament on Tuesday to protest a controversial bill they claim would erode the rights of the Indigenous Maori people.

The protest marked the culmination of a nine-day community march, or hikoi, which began in northern New Zealand. Participants arrived in Wellington by foot and car to voice their dissent against the Treaty Principles Bill, which seeks to reinterpret an 184-year-old treaty between the British Crown and Maori chiefs.

The demonstrators, which included Maori community members and their allies, chanted, performed traditional haka dances, and displayed the red, white, and black Maori flag. Reggae music and speeches criticizing the proposed legislation filled the Parliament grounds as thousands chanted “Kill the bill.”

Treaty Principles Bill Sparks Outcry

Introduced by the libertarian ACT New Zealand party, a junior partner in the ruling center-right coalition government, the bill seeks to revise the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, which remains a cornerstone of policy guiding relations between Maori and non-Maori communities.

ACT leader David Seymour, who authored the bill and identifies as Maori, argues that the treaty in its current form unfairly privileges Maori citizens. However, critics contend the bill threatens to undo decades of progress in addressing inequalities faced by the Maori, including higher rates of poverty, incarceration, and poor health outcomes.

Although the bill lacks enough parliamentary support to pass, protesters see it as critical to oppose the sentiment it represents. Notably, ACT’s coalition partners—the National Party and New Zealand First—backtracked on their initial support for the legislation after widespread backlash.

Diverse Voices Join the Protest

The protest drew a diverse crowd, including prominent lawyers who warned that the bill could set back race relations by decades. Over 203,650 people signed a petition opposing the legislation, which was presented to Parliament on Tuesday. Even Wellington’s mayor joined the protest in solidarity.

Protesters emphasized the significance of the moment. Shanell Bob, a participant, highlighted the growing pride and resilience among Maori youth, saying, “Our tamariki [children] know who they are; they’re proud of who they are.”

For others, the rally was deeply personal. “I’m here for my grandchildren, my children, and for their children,” said Hoana Hadfield, a first-time protester.

Government Responds Amid Public Pressure

ACT leader Seymour, joined by a handful of politicians, addressed the crowd briefly on the Parliament’s forecourt. His appearance was met with chants and a powerful haka, signaling the widespread opposition to the proposed bill.

The Treaty Principles Bill has exposed deep divisions in New Zealand’s approach to Indigenous rights and governance. As one of the largest protests in the country’s history, Tuesday’s demonstration sends a clear message about the importance of protecting Maori rights in the face of political challenges.