Thousands of people have taken part in protests across New Zealand, angry at the government’s efforts to deny Maori rights.
Thursday’s demonstrations came as the center-right coalition government unveiled its first budget, announcing tax cuts and outlining savings in areas such as housing and conservation.
The Finance Minister has dismissed criticism that funding for programs benefiting Māori has been cut, saying the new measures will benefit all New Zealanders.
Since then, the government has faced accusations of trying to weaken New Zealand’s Aboriginal institutions. Comes to power in October.
The protests, known as “hikoi”, were held in cities including the capital Wellington, Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch. Some incidents occurred in convoys on the highway, disrupting traffic.
Some waved the red, white and black Maori flag, which has become a symbol of Maori independence.
One protester, Christina Taurua, told AFP outside Parliament House in Wellington: “We are here to make a voice and support those who are working collectively to make things right, not just for us Māori People, but also for the people of New Zealand.
Demonstrators expressed concerns about the political policies and initiatives they fought for, including Dissolution of a new entity aimed at improving Māori health servicesit was dismantled too quickly.
“All of a sudden they’re changing some of these laws with just a click of a button,” Ethan Smith told Radio New Zealand in Auckland.
“We want them to sit down with us … so we can address these issues and find better solutions for everyone.”
This is second such protest After the new government came to power, these demonstrations attracted even more people.
Late on Thursday, the Maori Party, one of the six major parties in New Zealand’s parliament, issued a Declaration of Political Independence and said it would take action to establish a separate parliament for Maori people.
They said it would be part of efforts to transform New Zealand into a country that respects Aboriginal sovereignty “and creates a safe home for all its people”.
According to Statistics New Zealand, about 17% of the population consider themselves Maori.
Māori remain disadvantaged compared to the general population when assessed through indicators such as health status, household income, educational attainment, and incarceration and mortality. There is still a seven-year gap in life expectancy.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, leader of one of the three coalition parties, criticized the Māori Party for protesting outside parliament rather than attending hearings.
he still point out What he said was the “irony and hypocrisy” of the Maori Party, whose president in 2005 described the party’s rise as “unfortunate and frustrating” and its supporters as “tribal fundamentalists”.
Leaders of the new ruling coalition have previously said they do not want to divide the country over racial issues.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nicola Willis has rejected accusations that the new budget neglects Māori development.
“This is a budget for Māori because when New Zealanders go to emergency departments or schools, they don’t think about their race,” she said.
Chris Hipkins, leader of Britain’s largest opposition Labor Party and former prime minister, disagreed and said the budget would deliver little benefit in health and education.
“In New Zealand we work together for the benefit of the many, not the few. This budget does not reflect that spirit,” the opposition politician said.
