30. January 2025

By Ann Biedermann

At the centennial celebration of the foundation of the New Zealand colony in 1940, politicians proclaimed their country had “the best race relations in the world”. At the time this was mere lip-service as many people still believed in the decline of the “Maori race” and favoured cultural assimilation of the indigenous Maori into the pakeha (white) society. However, since the Maori renaissance in the 1970s, policies have been implemented to right the wrongs during colonialism. The Tribunal of Waitangi was created to oversee and negotiate policies to protect Maori culture. Although on a long journey, New Zealand was slowly turning into an actual role model of post-colonial policies.

But progress is not linear. In late 2024, a coalition of parties has proposed policy changes that would negatively affect Maori and Maori rights in language, health and four other key sectors. More than 40.000 protesters joined the hikoi, a land march travelling thousands of kilometres to Wellington, to protest the Treaty Principles Bill.

It is reminiscent of the famous hikoi of 1975 led by 80-year-old Whina Cooper, which protested against the loss of Maori rights and culture. Almost 50 years later, the 2024 hikoi and protests are led by 23-year-old Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clark. She is the youngest member of the NZ parliament and made global headlines for initiating a haka (a ceremonial dance) in Wellington’s parliament. Joined by fellow Maori MPs and visitors she chanted in the Maori language te Reo: “It is death, it is death, it is life, it is life” while tearing apart the proposed bill. Together with the newly selected, 28-year-old Maori Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, a new generation called Kohanga Reo is coming into adulthood. As a direct results of the 1975 hikoi, this is the first generation to be exclusively raised and educated in te reo.

Although progress might not be linear, it is too late for Colonialist parties to turn back the clock. A new generation of strong-willed, proud Maori women, men and pakeha won’t let them.

Some links for those who are interested to learn more:

About the protests and the haka in parliament:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB2J540piRw

About Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke

peoplesdispatch.org/2024/11/20/ten-things-to-know-about-hanas-haka/