### New Zealand's Parliament Rejects Controversial Treaty Principles Bill Amidst Protests New Zealand's parliament has decisively voted against the Treaty Principles Bill, a proposed law that aimed to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, the foundational agreement between the indigenous Māori and the British Crown established in 1840. The rejection of this bill, which occurred on April 10, 2025, followed months of intense public protests and debates regarding the rights and recognition of Māori people in New Zealand society. The bill was primarily supported by the right-wing ACT New Zealand party, but it faced overwhelming opposition from nearly all other political parties, resulting in a significant 112 to 11 vote against it [https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/new-zealand-treaty-of-waitangi-rejected-wellington-112-11-vote-2706948-2025-04-10][https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-10/new-zealand-parliament-rejects-bill-that-stirred-racial-tensions]. ### Breakdown of the Legislative Process and Reactions 1. **Legislative Context**: - The Treaty Principles Bill sought to reinterpret the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, which has been a cornerstone of New Zealand's legal and cultural framework. - The bill's introduction was met with significant backlash, leading to widespread protests across the country [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3341646-new-zealand-rejects-treaty-principles-bill-amid-widespread-protests]. 2. **Political Dynamics**: - The ACT Party was the sole supporter of the bill, while all other parties, including the Labour Party and the Green Party, opposed it. This political divide highlighted the contentious nature of the bill and the broader societal implications regarding Māori rights [https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/new-zealand-parliament-rejects-controversial-indigenous-law]. 3. **Public Sentiment**: - The rejection of the bill was celebrated by many Māori activists and supporters, who viewed it as a victory for indigenous rights. Following the vote, there were expressions of joy, including traditional Māori songs sung in the parliament [https://www.irishnews.com/news/world/new-zealand-rejects-proposed-law-to-redefine-treaty-principles-bill-KJOBPRYU2FLUTIP7T3TFVO7C2Q]. ### Evidence of Public and Political Response - **Vote Outcome**: The bill was defeated with a vote of 112 to 11, indicating a strong consensus against the proposed changes [https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/new-zealand-treaty-of-waitangi-rejected-wellington-112-11-vote-2706948-2025-04-10]. - **Protests**: The months leading up to the vote saw significant public demonstrations, reflecting widespread concern over the implications of the bill for Māori rights and identity [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3341646-new-zealand-rejects-treaty-principles-bill-amid-widespread-protests]. - **Political Reactions**: The overwhelming defeat of the bill has been interpreted as a rejection of divisive politics and a reaffirmation of the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand's national identity [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-10/new-zealand-parliament-rejects-bill-that-stirred-racial-tensions]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the Bill's Rejection The rejection of the Treaty Principles Bill marks a significant moment in New Zealand's political landscape, reflecting both the complexities of race relations and the ongoing struggle for Māori rights. 1. **Political Consensus**: The overwhelming vote against the bill indicates a strong political consensus on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Treaty of Waitangi [https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/new-zealand-rejects-proposed-law-to-redefine-treaty-principles-bill/a1535655791.html]. 2. **Public Support for Māori Rights**: The public protests and subsequent celebrations following the vote suggest a robust support for Māori rights and recognition within New Zealand society [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3341646-new-zealand-rejects-treaty-principles-bill-amid-widespread-protests]. 3. **Future Legislative Considerations**: Moving forward, the government may need to engage more constructively with Māori communities to address their concerns and aspirations, ensuring that any future legislation reflects a more inclusive approach [https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-04-10/new-zealand-parliament-rejects-controversial-indigenous-law]. This event underscores the ongoing dialogue about race, identity, and governance in New Zealand, highlighting the need for continued engagement and understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous populations.