Each year on February 6th, New Zealand commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This treaty, signed in 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and Māori tribal leaders, was intended to establish the terms of their relationship. However, this year's anniversary was marked by controversy and protest, overshadowed by the absence of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon from the main events at Waitangi.
The Treaty of Waitangi has been a historical linchpin, yet also a source of tension due to its dual versions—one in English and another in Māori—which significantly differed in meaning. The Māori version promised Indigenous sovereignty, a promise that was soon breached by the Crown, leading to a diminishment of Māori rights and near extinction of their language.
Over the last 50 years, Māori tribes have fought to restore the treaty's promises through legal challenges and compensation settlements that returned stolen lands and resources. Yet, a new contentious law proposed by David Seymour of a minor libertarian party has challenged this progress, seeking to reinterpret the treaty’s principles in legal terms to prevent what they claim is undue favoritism towards Māori.
This proposal has sparked widespread backlash. Protests erupted, most notably during Seymour’s speech at the historic Waitangi marae, a central hub for Māori meetings. Demonstrators turned their backs, rendering parts of his speech inaudible as they disconnected his microphone. This, along with previous protests that saw thousands march on Wellington’s Parliament, underscores the strong opposition to the proposed bill.
Prime Minister Luxon, who took office in 2023, chose to commemorate the day at the Onuku Marae on the South Island. This move was interpreted by some as an attempt to sidestep the direct confrontations at Waitangi. However, Luxon maintains a position against the bill, albeit agreeing to an initial vote as part of a political deal with Seymour’s party.
In his remarks, Luxon emphasized the importance of resolving differences and building bridges, advocating that New Zealand’s ability to address tensions and past grievances is key to its future success. Justin Tipa, chair of the hosting tribe Ngāi Tahu, remarked on the significant changes in New Zealand’s sociopolitical landscape since Luxon’s leadership began, expressing concerns about the impact of modern political actions on the nation’s historical identity.
The absence of the Prime Minister from Waitangi has been criticized by some Māori leaders and political rivals as an avoidance tactic. Nonetheless, Luxon argued that his multi-location approach for Waitangi Day was always planned, noting he is not the first leader to diverge from traditional commemoration methods.
Historically, Waitangi Day has often spotlighted the Crown-Māori relationship's challenges, hosting protests that reflect broader social grievances. From symbolic mourning via black armbands to the unconventional protests—like the infamous 2016 incident where a demonstrator hit a cabinet minister with a sex toy—protests have varied widely but consistently highlighted unresolved tensions.
The Treaty of Waitangi remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s identity, encapsulating the ongoing struggle for equity and reconciliation between the Māori and the Crown. As New Zealand navigates these complex discussions, the nation watches closely to see if these historical wounds can be healed and promises truly honored.
