The Haka That Shook New Zealand Parliament
How a controversial bill threatens to revive colonial inequities and undermine the Treaty of Waitangi's promises.
The New Zealand Parliament recently found itself at the centre of international attention when Te Pāti Māori MPs staged a powerful protest during a debate on a controversial bill aimed at redefining the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The MPs performed a haka — a traditional Māori dance of defiance and unity — in the parliamentary chamber, causing proceedings to be temporarily suspended. The haka’s significance in this context lies in its historical role as a powerful expression of resistance and solidarity, traditionally used by Māori to challenge and confront injustice. Its performance in Parliament was not just symbolic but a deeply rooted cultural statement, amplifying the protest’s message and connecting it to centuries of Māori resilience. This protest, as striking as it was symbolic, captured widespread attention and became a viral moment of resistance against what many perceive as a revival of colonial-era attitudes towards Indigenous rights.
The proposed legislation, introduced by the ACT New Zealand party, seeks to codify a narrower interpretation of the Treaty’s principles, which critics argue could undermine decades of progress in recognising Māori sovereignty and rights. To understand the gravity of this protest and the broader implications of the bill, it is essential to delve into the history of the Treaty of Waitangi, its significance, and the enduring challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in New Zealand and beyond.
The Treaty of Waitangi: Foundation and Betrayal
Signed in 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and Māori chiefs, the Treaty of Waitangi is considered the foundational document of modern New Zealand. It was intended to establish a partnership between Māori and the Crown, promising protection of Māori lands, resources, and sovereignty while enabling British governance. However, discrepancies between the English and Māori texts of the Treaty have led to long-standing disputes over its meaning and implementation.
In the English version, Māori were said to cede “sovereignty” to the Crown. In the Māori text, the term “kawanatanga” (translated as “governorship”) suggested a more limited transfer of authority. The Treaty’s second article guaranteed Māori "full, exclusive and undisturbed possession" of their lands and treasures (“taonga”), but in practice, vast tracts of land were acquired through dubious means, including coercion, confiscation, and manipulation of legal systems. By the late 19th century, Māori landholdings had plummeted to just 10% of their pre-colonial levels, driven by policies such as the Native Land Acts of 1862 and 1865, which facilitated the transfer of Māori land to settlers through legal mechanisms that undermined collective ownership and pressured individual sales.
The consequences were devastating. The Māori population, estimated at 100,000–120,000 at the time of European contact, declined sharply due to introduced diseases, land dispossession, and social disruption. By the 1890s, the population had fallen to around 42,000, prompting fears of cultural and demographic extinction.
Redress and Resurgence: The Treaty in Modern New Zealand
Efforts to address historical injustices began to gain momentum in the mid-20th century. The establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal in 1975 marked a turning point, providing a mechanism to investigate breaches of the Treaty and recommend reparations. Since then, significant settlements have been made, including financial compensation and the return of land. Additionally, initiatives to revitalise Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) and recognise Māori culture have transformed New Zealand’s national identity.
Despite these advancements, systemic inequities persist. Māori continue to experience disparities in health, education, and income compared to non-Māori. Furthermore, debates over the Treaty’s relevance and interpretation frequently surface, reflecting tensions between New Zealand’s bicultural aspirations and its colonial legacy.
The Current Bill: Resurgence of a Colonial Mindset?
The “Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill” has been framed by its proponents as an attempt to bring clarity and consistency to the Treaty’s application. Its key provisions include affirming the Crown’s “right to govern” and emphasising equality before the law. However, critics argue that the bill’s underlying intent is to dilute the Treaty’s significance by reducing Māori rights to those explicitly specified in settlements, effectively freezing progress in recognising Indigenous sovereignty.
This legislation reflects a broader trend observed in other former colonies, where Indigenous rights are increasingly contested. For example, Australia recently rejected the Voice to Parliament, a proposal aimed at giving Indigenous Australians a greater say in government decisions, highlighting similar tensions between settler and Indigenous populations. From Australia’s rejection of the Voice to Parliament to debates over treaty recognition in Canada, these developments suggest a resurgence of colonial attitudes that prioritise settler interests over Indigenous voices. Such moves risk eroding the hard-won gains of Indigenous peoples while perpetuating historical injustices.
Lessons from History and the Way Forward
New Zealand’s history offers stark lessons about the dangers of marginalising Indigenous voices. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed not as a surrender but as a pact of partnership, promising mutual respect and shared governance. Efforts to redefine or diminish its principles not only betray that promise but risk further polarising society.
The disruption of Parliament by Te Pāti Māori was not just an act of defiance but a call to action. It highlighted the enduring importance of the Treaty and the need to uphold its spirit in modern governance. Legislation that seeks to curtail Indigenous rights is not only unwelcome but fundamentally at odds with the values of justice and equality that New Zealand aspires to uphold.
No one is calling for a reversal of the current constitutional or societal settlement, such as the recognition of Māori land claims and the existing frameworks for partnership under the Treaty of Waitangi. What is demanded is respect for the Treaty’s principles, recognition of Māori sovereignty, and a commitment to equity. To move forward, New Zealand must resist the resurgence of colonial mindsets and reaffirm its commitment to partnership, ensuring that the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard and respected. As the haka reminded us, the fight for justice is as vital today as it was in 1840.
What may be called for is New Zealand becoming a republic and breaking away from the crown. It's not unheard of, and it's not something to shy away from. When we look at the historical context, the Māori outnumbered the settlers, and over time, they have been reduced to a single minority. How?
Key Themes Across Countries
Organised Migration:
Under the New Zealand Company and other initiatives, tens of thousands of British settlers arrived after 1840.
By 1871, the European population reached approximately 256,000, concentrated in urban centres and farming regions.
Summary of Comparative Statistics
Key Observations
Māori initially outnumbered European settlers significantly but experienced a sharp decline due to introduced diseases, conflict, and social upheaval.
The settler population grew exponentially after 1840, quickly overtaking the Māori population by mid-century.
This stark demographic shift profoundly affected land ownership, governance, and Māori sovereignty, leading to long-standing grievances that continue to shape New Zealand's society and politics today.
The proposed legislation bill would further entrench the non-Māori rights and privileges over the Indigenous Māori; the numbers speak for themselves.
It is time for change, and we must recognise that nostalgia for an archaic world order, long past its relevance, must not be allowed to resurface.