Dozens protest for indigenous rights on New Zealand's National Day

Bangkok, February 6 (EFE).- Thousands of people from various parts of New Zealand rallied this Tuesday, where the maritime nation's founding document signatories signed a number of protests against threatening government policies by the centre-right government. Native Rights.

Carrying banners and Maori national flags, protesters staged marches across the country and protested the newly elected centre-right government's promises to curtail the rights of indigenous peoples, such as attempts to abolish the official use of Maori. In public institutions.

The protests are part of New Zealand's national day, Waitangi Day, which celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6, 1840, when New Zealand became part of the British Empire.

In videos uploaded to social networks, hundreds of people can be seen occupying the streets in different demonstrations, some of them the largest recorded in the country in the last decade, and several groups marching towards Waitangi, which hosts various events every year. Official celebrations to celebrate the date.

Likewise, leaders of the country's current governing coalition, including New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Lacson and Liberal ACT Party leader David Seymour, were greeted with cheers from the crowd at celebrations today and the day before. .

Since it was formed in November last year – thanks to a coalition between the conservative Luxon National Party, nationalist New Zealand First and ACT – the new executive has announced at least a dozen policies that could severely curtail Maori rights. Immediate reaction from native leaders to counter such actions.

Some of the proposals that have generated controversy include promises to reverse policies that have encouraged the official use of the Maori language and change anti-smoking legislation, given that indigenous people record high rates of smoking.

The coalition has also announced its intention to review the Treaty of Waitangi, which upholds Maori rights, which has culminated in heightened tensions and fueled a summer of protests against the government's plans for the indigenous community.

Amid the friction, New Zealand's prime minister pledged this Tuesday that he wanted to renew his government's “commitment” to “help all New Zealanders, Maori and non-Maori, thrive” and “provide good hope” for future generations to a prosperous and secure future.

Regarding the agreement, Lacson has already pointed out that the agreement has shaped the country and that New Zealanders should “want to move forward together, not in two sides”.