New Zealand Parliament Overwhelmingly Rejects Treaty Principles Bill

The controversial proposal to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi was defeated by a 112-11 vote, ending a divisive chapter in the nation's debate over Māori rights.

The Treaty Principles Bill, proposed by ACT New Zealand leader David Seymour, sought to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi and redefine Māori rights under New Zealand law.
Parliament voted decisively against the bill, with 112 votes opposing it and only 11 in favor, marking its formal rejection on April 10, 2025.
The bill faced widespread public opposition, including New Zealand's largest-ever protest on Māori rights and a record-breaking 300,000 public submissions, 90% of which opposed the legislation.
Key coalition partners, including the National Party and New Zealand First, initially supported the bill through its first reading but ultimately voted against it during the decisive vote.
Although the bill has been defeated, broader concerns about government policies affecting Māori welfare and treaty obligations remain unresolved, continuing to fuel national debate.

The Guardian

Australian Broadcasting Corporation