Introduction:
Hana Rawhiti Maipi Clarke, a young MP for Te Pāti Māori, has become a global symbol of Māori resistance against the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. Her powerful haka performance in Parliament on November 14, 2024, has garnered millions of views worldwide, sparking a global conversation about Māori rights and the future of the Treaty of Waitangi.
A Haka of Protest:
Clarke’s haka, a traditional Māori war dance, was a powerful display of defiance against the Treaty Principles Bill, which aims to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand. The bill, championed by Act Party leader David Seymour, has been met with widespread opposition from Māori and many non-Māori New Zealanders, who see it as an attempt to undermine Māori rights and sovereignty.
During the first reading of the bill, Clarke stood to oppose it, ripping up a copy of the legislation and launching into a fierce “ka mate” haka. She was joined by fellow MPs from Te Pāti Māori, Labour, and the Greens, as well as members of the public gallery. The haka, which tells the story of a Māori warrior escaping from his enemies, resonated with the spirit of resistance against the bill.
Global Reach:
The haka, captured on video and shared widely online, has gone viral, with estimates suggesting it has been viewed over 700 million times across various platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and international news websites. The haka’s global reach has brought attention to the Treaty Principles Bill and the broader issue of Māori rights in New Zealand.
The Hikoi: A March for Māori Rights:
The haka performance coincided with a week-long “hikoi” – a traditional Māori march – that saw oveŕ 100,0000 people walk from different parts of the country to Parliament in Wellington to protest the bill. The hikoi, a powerful symbol of Māori unity and determination, highlighted the deep concerns about the bill’s potential impact on Māori self-determination and their relationship with the Crown.
Te Arikinui: Ngāwai Hono i te Pō joins hikoi
The hikoi was also notable for the presence of the Māori Queen, Te Arikinui: Ngāwai Hono i te Pō, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tua Waru. Kiingitanga spokesman Ngira Simmonds stated that she had a “message of hope for the nation and for us to come together to work through our current divisions.”
Simmonds emphasized the achievements of the past 50 years as evidence of what can be accomplished through partnership. The Kīngitanga leadership was expected to meet to determine the Māori Queen’s specific role in the hikoi.
Potential Impacts for Māori:
The Treaty Principles Bill has sparked a heated debate about the future of the Treaty of Waitangi and its implications for Māori. Critics argue that the bill would:
– Undermine Māori sovereignty: By redefining the Treaty’s principles, the bill could weaken the legal and constitutional basis for Māori rights and self-determination.
– Create racial division: The bill’s focus on specific definitions of Treaty principles could lead to a divisive debate about who benefits from the Treaty and who does not.
–Reverse progress on Treaty settlements: The bill could undermine the process of Treaty settlements, which have been negotiated over decades to address historical injustices against Māori.
The bill’s passage through Parliament remains uncertain, with National and NZ First indicating they will not support it beyond the select committee stage. However, the global attention brought by Clarke’s haka and the hikoi has raised awareness of the issues at stake and the importance of upholding the Treaty’s principles for a fair and just future for all New Zealanders.
Key Takeaways:
– Hana Rawhiti Maipi Clarke’s haka performance has become a global symbol of Māori resistance against the Treaty Principles Bill.
– The hikoi, a traditional Māori march, brought 10s of thousands of people to Parliament in Wellington to protest the bill.
– The presence of Māori Queen Ngāwai Hono i te Pō at the hikoi underscores the significance of the event and the deep concerns about the Treaty Principles Bill.
– The bill’s potential impacts on Māori sovereignty, racial relations, and Treaty settlements have sparked a heated debate.
– The global attention brought by Clarke’s haka and the hikoi has raised awareness of the issues at stake and the importance of upholding the Treaty’s principles.
Future Implications:
The Treaty Principles Bill and the events surrounding it have highlighted the ongoing challenges and complexities of the relationship between Māori and the Crown in New Zealand. The global attention on these issues has brought renewed focus on the importance of upholding the Treaty of Waitangi and ensuring a fair and just future for all New Zealanders.
Further Exploration:
In conclusion it would be helpful to explore the specific arguments and concerns raised by supporters and opponents of the Treaty Principles Bill in greater detail. Additionally, further research into the historical context of the Treaty of Waitangi and its ongoing impact on Māori society would provide valuable insights into the current debate.
