New Zealand's largest walk reaches capital as treaty debate heats up
A nine-day walk across New Zealand brings thousands to Wellington for treaty rights protest. The march responds to new bill that could change how government deals with indigenous peoples rights
A major walk across New Zealand - starting from its northern tip about a week ago - heads to Wellington for its final stop. The multi-day trek (known as hikoi in Maori language) brings together native peoples and their backers who dont like new law ideas
The march shows peoples reaction to the Treaty Principles Bill; a hot-button topic that came up this month. ACT New Zealand - part of the ruling team with just 8.6% voter support - wants to change how the country sees its basic agreement with Maori people
Back in 1840‚ the Treaty of Waitangi set up rules between British leaders and over 500 native chiefs: this old paper still shapes how New-Zealand works today. Courts have made the treaties meaning wider over time‚ but some think thats not fair to non-native folks
- Courts expanded native peoples rights
- Many protests happened when bill showed up
- Law makers say bill wont pass anyway
- About 20% of people in New Zealand are Maori
The hikoi got bigger as it moved south - picking up more people in each town and city it passed through. While the new bill probably wont become law‚ its showing up made many speak out against what they see as steps back in native peoples rights (something that took years to build up)
