The Treaty Principles Bill was championed by the Act party. It seeks to clarify the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The bill has little support in Parliament and has not received support from enough parties to ensure it will pass.

Act leader David Seymour said: “Once the bill has had its first reading, every New Zealander will have the opportunity to give their views on the bill at the select committee stage .

“The Bill will not modify or amend the Treaty itself. It will be used to assist in the interpretation of legislation where Treaty principles would normally be considered relevant, in addition to legislation which directly refers to Treaty principles.

Act’s coalition partner, National, opposed the policy during the election campaign.

National agreed during coalition negotiations to support the bill before a select committee.

However, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said National would not support the bill beyond its first reading.

The protest enters its fourth day and participants plan to stay in Rotorua this evening

The eight-day protest began early Monday morning at Cape Rēinga, before stopping overnight in Whangarei, then continuing through Auckland and on to Huntly yesterday.

The convoys were due to leave Waahi Paa in Huntly at 8am today. The event itinerary said people would meet at Kirikiriroa Marae in Hamilton at 9am and reach Apumoana Marae in Rotorua at 6pm.

Police said they have so far received no reports of significant problems during the protest.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Naila Hassan said: “(Yesterday) morning we saw one of the largest concentrations of people ever seen crossing the Auckland Harbor Bridge in such a short space of time. »

She said police and other agencies were managing the crowds and ensuring safety remained as they occupied the bridge lanes during peak hours.

A spokesperson for the organizers, Toitū te Tiriti, justified himself to the Herald the level of disturbance.

“A morning of disruption for some will be a morning of liberation for others and cannot in any way be compared to 180 years of injustice,” he said.

“Fighting for indigenous rights will always upset those who are satisfied with the status quo. Is this justified? When everything that makes you who you are is taken away from you, your children, and the mokopuna (grandchildren) you have yet to meet, you have no choice but to stand up.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based journalist covering current affairs. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

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