New Zealand’s Indigenous Rights in Jeopardy
New Zealand, once a beacon of hope for Indigenous rights, is facing a tumultuous new era. The country’s right-wing government has ordered public agencies to stop affirmative action policies for Māori people, who are disadvantaged in almost every aspect of life ¹.
The Rise of Māori Culture
Despite the government’s stance, Māori culture and language have experienced a resurgence in popularity. The language, once on the brink of extinction, is now an integral part of everyday life in New Zealand. People are eager to learn, with waiting lists for classes and a chain store’s Māori language week clothing line selling out in minutes ¹.
A Fraught Debate
However, this newfound enthusiasm for Māori culture belies a fraught debate about race in New Zealand. The polarized politics and backlash against the previous left-wing government have fueled tensions, with some claiming that special treatment for Māori people has created social division and unequal rights ¹.
The Treaty of Waitangi
At the heart of the debate is the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document. Signed in 1840, the treaty promised Māori a say in decision-making and protection of their interests. However, breaches of these rights have led to an Indigenous protest movement, and the current government’s actions have sparked fears that these hard-won gains will be repealed ¹.
A Regressive Relationship
The relationship between Māori and the government is becoming increasingly strained. Analysts warn that the government’s actions will not only harm Māori people but also damage New Zealand’s reputation as a leader on Indigenous rights ¹.
A New Era of Activism
However, Māori people are not going quietly into the night. A fresh Māori political movement has come of age, with Māori lawmakers holding 33 of Parliament’s 123 seats. The community is galvanized, and a new era of activism has begun ¹.
