Thousands march to Parliament in New Zealand to advocate for Māori rights

Over nine days, young people and veterans marched from the northern tip of New Zealand to Parliament, advocating for Māori rights and sovereignty. This event, called Hīkoi mō te Tiriti, aimed to address concerns over government policies, particularly the ACT Party's Treaty Principles Bill. The march, which included thousands of participants, was marked by cultural ceremonies and community support. Organizers reported a significant turnout at Parliament, with a petition against the bill gathering 200,000 signatures. The event highlighted a growing unity among Māori and their allies. Unlike previous marches, this hīkoi involved shorter travel times and focused on major towns. Participants expressed a strong commitment to preserving the Treaty of Waitangi and ensuring future generations do not have to fight the same battles.