WELLINGTON: Anticipated as the largest gathering in 30 years, crowds are set to flock to Waitangi this weekend for the anniversary of New Zealand’s founding document signing.
Indigenous Maori intend to utilize the occasion to voice concerns and protest against proposed policies deemed disadvantageous to them. The focal celebrations on Feb. 6 commemorate the historic signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs. With politicians,
Maori leaders, and the general public slated to commence their arrivals in the small coastal town situated in the northern region of the North Island on Saturday, Pita Tipene, chairman of the Waitangi National Trust board, anticipates over 60,000 attendees for the Waitangi Day events. This attendance projection would mark it as the largest gathering since at least 1990, encompassing concerts, stalls, political assemblies, and speeches.
He stated that it serves as a hub for discussions, attracting a growing audience eager to both listen and voice their frustrations and anger regarding governmental policies.
The newly-elected centre-right coalition in New Zealand, which assumed power late last year, pledges to reverse the policies of previous administrations, particularly those aimed at advancing the official use of the Maori language and improving Indigenous living standards and rights.
Additionally, the government has proposed a bill to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, although it has not committed to passing it. These initiatives have sparked criticism, with opponents arguing that they represent a significant setback for Maori rights, leading some to pursue legal action against the government in an attempt to halt the proposed changes.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has recently sought to allay concerns by assuring the public that the treaty will not be reinterpreted or threatened.
“We are incredibly proud about it (the treaty) and there is no change to the treaty coming,” he told media on Friday.
