In a surprising turn of events, New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi anniversary saw protests and heightened tensions due to the absence of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon from key commemorations.
New Zealand commemorated its founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, on February 6, 2025, amidst a backdrop of political contention and public dissent. The Prime Minister’s conspicuous absence from the main events at Waitangi was in stark contrast to the traditional convergence of lawmakers and Indigenous leaders, who usually engage in direct dialogue despite underlying tensions.
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, established the framework for relationships between the British Crown and 500 Māori chiefs. Historically, the celebrations have served as both a reflection of these relationships and a platform for addressing grievances. This year, however, the mood was subdued, marked by criticism and disquiet.
Central to the controversy is a proposed law that has ignited debate about New Zealand’s commitments to Māori since colonization. Historically, the treaty has seen breaches that nearly obliterated the Māori language and culture. Recent decades have seen efforts to restore these losses through legal rulings and financial settlements returning land to Māori tribes.
A minor political party part of Luxon’s coalition introduced a bill aimed at rigidly interpreting the treaty, sparking objections. Critics argue it could significantly curtail Māori rights at a time when the nation has started recognizing and embracing these rights.
During the political gatherings at Waitangi, David Seymour, who is partly responsible for the contentious bill and is also Māori, encountered silent protests. Demonstrators symbolically turned their backs on him and disrupted his speech by removing his microphone, underscoring the opposition from the Māori community.
The absence of Prime Minister Luxon, who attended an alternative commemoration on the South Island, was deemed as avoiding confrontation. He insisted that his attendance at varied locations for Waitangi Day was a planned strategy, not an evasion. Despite his absence from the main venue, he expressed optimism for resolving tensions and emphasized New Zealand’s capacity to reconcile historical disputes.
Māori leaders and opposition members criticized Luxon’s choice, suggesting it highlighted the uncomfortable political dynamics under the current administration. In contrast, Justin Tipa of Ngāi Tahu acknowledged Luxon’s presence at the South Island event but warned of the influence of modern politics on New Zealand’s cultural heritage.
Historically, Waitangi Day has been a stage for expressions of dissatisfaction with the state of Māori-Crown relations. Events have ranged from symbolic acts of protest to unexpected incidents, reflecting a complex history of race relations in New Zealand.
The Treaty of Waitangi anniversary was a stark reminder of New Zealand’s ongoing challenges in reconciling its historical relationships. The protests and Prime Minister’s absence at the main ceremony underscored the persistent tension between honoring past promises and navigating current political landscapes.
