Lawmakers Stage Māori Protest in New Zealand's Parliament During Fraught Race Relations Debate

Māori Lawmakers Protest Proposed Changes to the Electoral System

On Tuesday, Māori lawmakers in New Zealand staged a protest in parliament against proposed changes to the electoral system that they say will disenfranchise Māori voters.

The proposed changes, which are being debated in parliament this week, would reduce the number of Māori electorate seats from seven to four.

Māori leaders say the changes will make it harder for Māori to be represented in parliament and will undermine the Treaty of Waitangi, which guarantees Māori certain rights and protections.

Protestors March Through Parliament, Sing and Chant

During the protest, Māori lawmakers marched through parliament, singing and chanting.

They also held signs that said "Protect the Treaty" and "No Māori, No Say".

The protest was peaceful, but it disrupted the debate on the electoral changes.

Proposed Changes Would Reduce Māori Representation

The proposed changes to the electoral system are part of a wider government plan to reduce the number of MPs in parliament from 120 to 100.

The government says the changes are necessary to save money and to make parliament more efficient.

However, Māori leaders say the changes will disproportionately affect Māori voters.

Māori Leaders Say Changes Will Undermine Treaty of Waitangi

Māori leaders say the proposed changes will undermine the Treaty of Waitangi, which guarantees Māori certain rights and protections.

The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs.

It guarantees Māori the right to self-government and to participate in the political process.

Government Says Changes Are Necessary to Save Money

The government says the proposed changes to the electoral system are necessary to save money and to make parliament more efficient.

The government estimates that the changes will save $10 million per year.

The government also says that the changes will make parliament more efficient by reducing the number of MPs.

Debate on Electoral Changes Continues

The debate on the proposed changes to the electoral system is continuing in parliament this week.

It is unclear whether the government will be able to pass the changes into law.

The opposition Labour Party has said it will not support the changes.