New Zealand's parliament stops as Maori dance breaks out over treaty changes
NZ lawmakers face unexpected haka during voting on treaty interpretation bill. The protest-dance came as hundreds march towards Wellington to oppose changes to the 184-year-old agreement
A dramatic scene unfolded in New-Zealands parliament when Te Pati Maori members performed a traditional haka stopping the voting process: their protest targeted a new bill about the historic Treaty of Waitangi
The treaty signed between British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs (back in 1840) still shapes todays laws‚ but David Seymour from ACT New Zealand wants to change its meaning. His party — part of the center-right government — suggests narrowing down treaty interpretations which many see as anti-indigenous
The parliamentary session got really loud when gallery visitors joined the haka performers; making it impossible to continue. “My mission is to empower every person“ Seymour said trying to defend his position but his words dont match protesters feelings
- National Party supports first reading only
- New Zealand First wont back full passage
- Both are following coalition deals
- Final approval looks unlikely
Right now hundreds of people are walking south in a nine-day hikoi (traditional march) heading to Wellington. They started from NZs north and will reach the capital next week where a big crowd plans to meet them — around 20% of the countrys 5‚3 million people have Maori roots and many others support their cause
