Society
Māori Warriors Lead Tens of Thousands in New Zealand Protest
- Police estimate 42,000 people assembled in front of parliament
- Marchers reject ACT bill on Treaty of Waitangi principles
This article is for subscribers only.
Tens of thousands of protesters including Māori warriors in traditional dress marched on New Zealand’s parliament Tuesday in opposition to a draft law that they say would erode the rights of indigenous people.
The march, or hīkoi, began in the far north last week and culminated in capital city Wellington. Warriors wielding spears and clubs led protesters through the city streets to the steps of parliament buildings, where they sang and waved flags. Police said an estimated 42,000 attended the rally, which was peaceful.