David Seymour

Three MPs from the Māori Party and one from Labour have been referred to the Privileges Committee after they interrupted voting on a contentious bill.

The Treaty Principles Bill is aimed at ending perceived ‘race-based’ laws and rights that have fathered Maori-specific institutions and positions.

The bill has disappeared from Parliament’s schedule of business.

As protesters march from the top of the North Island and bottom of the South to meet in Wellington, their numbers are growing, causing disruption.

Protests are underway against the contentious bill.

New Zealand’s Finance Minister says the country has ’turned the corner on interest rates’ as inflation reaches 2.2 percent, but the economy still has issues.

As government leaders and Māori meet, anger and resentment about a proposal to possibly change the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi boils over.

Professor Joanna Kidman, head of a research centre on extremism, has openly criticised the government’s position on boot camps for youth offenders.

Booing and singing over government speakers has characterised the first morning at Waitangi, the official celebration of New Zealand’s national day.

‘The most important value is that you can make a difference in your own life, and the lives of those you care about,’ he said.

The governing ACT says the Treaty of Waitangi does not mean separate political positions and laws for Maori people.

The Maori Party is organising the protest.

Prime Minister elect Christopher Luxon has concluded negotiations with New Zealand First and ACT New Zealand