New Zealand lawmakers overwhelmingly defeat proposed law on Treaty of Waitangi

In New Zealand, on April 10, 2025, lawmakers overwhelmingly voted against a controversial proposed law that intended to redefine the founding Treaty of Waitangi, which governs the relationship between M1ori tribes and the British Crown. The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected in Parliament with a significant margin of 112 votes against the bill, compared to only 11 votes in its favor. This vote halted its process to a third and final reading. The outcome was met with celebratory reactions from those opposing the bill, indicating strong public sentiment against the proposed changes. The bill's author, David Seymour, who identifies as M1ori, argued that it was meant to address what he described as special rights and privileges based on race. He emphasized the need to rethink the treaty's interpretations that allocate such privileges. In contrast, opponents of the legislation, including opposition lawmaker Willie Jackson, asserted that the Treaty of Waitangi concerns legal rights that M1ori have in their agreement with the Crown, not about providing racial privileges. This sentiment reflects a broader understanding that the treaty continues to be a cornerstone of legal rights for New Zealand's M1ori population. Public engagement on this topic has been unprecedented, with Parliament receiving 300,000 written submissions from the public, the highest ever for a proposed law in New Zealand. Approximately 90% of these submissions were against the bill, showcasing a considerable public opposition. Hana-R1whiti Maipi-Clarke, an opposition member from Te P1ti M1ori party, characterized the bill as “annihilated,” highlighting the extent of its unpopularity among the public. Furthermore, the rejection of the bill doesn’t signify an end to the scrutiny of M1ori rights in New Zealand legislation. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had initially endorsed the bill's first reading as part of a political deal with Seymour, who holds considerable influence within a minor party. Despite the initial support, the final decision indicates a backlash both politically and socially, signaling that lawmakers heard the public's concerns regarding M1ori rights and the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi. This defeat is notable in the context of ongoing discussions about M1ori sovereignty and the relationship with the Crown, particularly after decades of breaches that have contributed to significant disenfranchisement of the M1ori people. This legislative win for M1ori rights advocates may foster a renewed focus on equitable treatment and redress for historical injustices against indigenous communities in New Zealand.