During the week, thousands of Maori have demonstrated around New Zealand.
In Auckland, cars blocked traffic along several roads and outside parliament in the capital Wellington over a thousand protesters gathered.
They demonstrated against what they describe as “racist policies” from the country’s new government, reports say AP.
A few weeks ago it became clear that New Zealand is getting a new government where Christopher Luxon is the new prime minister in the new coalition with the conservative Nationalist Party which will govern together with the neoliberal ACT and the populist New Zealand First.
Danced in Parliament
They want to review the legislation relating to Maori rights and, among other things, they want to reduce the use of the Maori language in government communications and review special efforts for Maori.
According to the government, the country’s citizens should instead receive help based on need and not group affiliation.
The Maori Party, which won six of the 123 seats in the 54th Parliament, also showed its displeasure when the new government was sworn in.
Tākuta Ferris performed a ceremonial dance in Parliament before taking his oath as an MP and other Māori Party figures sang traditional songs.
Rawiri Waititi said the new policy will take New Zealand “back to the 19th century” and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer was also concerned.
– Our people are extremely concerned about this government, about reversing these policies that have benefited Maori, she tells The Guardian.
“It’s theater”
Melody Te Patu Wilkie, who organized the demonstrations in the coastal city of New Plymouth, was hoping for 40 people to come but instead 400 turned up.
– I do this for my grandchildren who are too young to have a voice for themselves, she says.
However, David Seymour, leader of ACT, dismissed the demonstrations as theatre.
– It is a sad day when a political party protests against equal rights, he says.