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New Zealand Protesters Condemn 'Racist' Government Policies

by Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY --

   Thousands of demonstrators in New Zealand are protesting the new
   government's policies towards indigenous MÄori communities.

   The new center-right coalition government in Wellington plans to limit
   the use of MÄori language, review affirmative action policies and
   reassess how the country's founding document - the Treaty of Waitangi
   of 1840 - is interpreted in modern legislation.

   The treaty was a 19th-century agreement between the British monarchy
   and about 540 MÄori rangatira, or chiefs.

   It pledged the protection of MÄori land and established British law in
   New Zealand.

   The government wants to wind back policies that acknowledge MÄori as
   New Zealand's first people and atone for the wrongs of European
   colonization.

   There are also plans to scrap a dedicated indigenous health authority.
   MÄori represent about 16.5% of the national population of around 5
   million.

   They suffer high rates of poverty, and more than 50% of prison inmates
   are MÄori, according to official figures.

   The government has promised to treat New Zealanders equally, regardless
   of race.

   However, the protesters believe the new government has a "racist"
   agenda that's an "assault" on indigenous rights.

   Rally organizer Tuku Morgan told New Zealand television that there is
   intense anger in the MÄori community.

   "This is to send a clear message to the government that we will not
   tolerate their racist policies, that we re deeply concerned and
   outraged in terms of the legislative program rolling back all of the
   achievements," Morgan said.

   Demonstrators also told local media that the planned policy changes are
   insulting.

   "I guess it is scary for most of us MÄori," one man said.

   Prime Minister Christopher Luxon leads a center-right coalition
   government with the libertarian ACT New Zealand party and the populist
   New Zealand First.

   Luxon said Wednesday's demonstrations were "unfair" for a government
   that's only been in office for a week. He indicated to local media that
   his administration should be given more time to deliver better outcomes
   for the MÄori community.

   David Seymour, the leader of ACT New Zealand, a junior coalition
   partner, told New Zealand media that the demonstrations were "divisive
   theatrics" that disrespected the outcome of a general election in
   October.

   The rallies organized by MÄori politicians have coincided with the
   official swearing in of Parliament in the capital, Wellington.

   Demonstrators say more anti-government rallies are planned in the weeks
   and months ahead.