US EditionNew Zealand PM heckled by Maori at national day gathering
Hecklers voiced opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill and government actions affecting Maori rights during the national event attended by about 900,000 Maori, officials said.
- On Thursday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was heckled by a Maori crowd at the Treaty Grounds during his roughly 10-minute Waitangi Day speech, with interruptions lasting up to 10 seconds and shouts including 'treason'.
- This year tensions rose after government moves affecting Treaty-related institutions as the conservative government elected late 2023 unwound Indigenous policies, and the Treaty Principles Bill was voted down last year.
- Demographics show Maori are about 20% of the 5.3 million population and face higher risks of early death, poverty, and imprisonment, while Waitangi Day commemorates the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi signed by more than 500 Maori chiefs.
- Luxon rejected claims the government pushed a divisive agenda and accepted unequal Indigenous treatment while citing recent severe weather and affected communities; Opposition leader Chris Hipkins said Maori felt hope and frustration.
- This year's events carry extra weight ahead of the November national election as Luxon returned after skipping last year and Indigenous leader Eru Kapa-Kingi criticised politicians amid growing tensions and recent severe weather impacts.
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The Straits Times
InternazionaleNew Zealand celebrates national day with call to support Maori and preserve unity
SYDNEY, Feb 6 - New Zealand must continue to evolve in a way that empowers its Indigenous Maori while preserving national unity, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, as the country on Friday marked the anniversary of the signing of its founding document. Read more at straitstimes.com.
New Zealand PM heckled by Maori at national day gathering
WAITANGI: New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was heckled by a Maori crowd on Thursday (Feb 5) during a speech marking national Waitangi Day celebrations, an annual political gathering that gives Indigenous tribes a chance to air grievances.Luxon's speech at the site where New Zealand's founding do
'Treason': New Zealand PM heckled by Maori at national day gathering
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was heckled by a Maori crowd on Thursday during a speech marking national Waitangi Day celebrations, an annual political gathering that gives Indigenous tribes a chance to air grievances.Luxon's speech at the site where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840, was at times...
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