Māori Courage, Ora, and the Defeat of the Treaty Principles Bill
Māori and the Haka: A Living Tradition
The Māori are the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, with traditions deeply tied to the land, language, and ancestors. Among their most powerful cultural expressions is the haka—a posture dance of fierce gestures and chants that embodies strength, unity, and defiance. Historically performed before battle or in times of challenge, the haka remains a living declaration of identity and resilience.
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.”
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
This wisdom frames Māori worldviews: true power lies in people standing together.
Understanding “Ora” – The Māori View of Wellness
Central to Māori life is the concept of ora. While often translated as “health” or “well-being,” ora carries a much deeper meaning. It is life, vitality, balance, and thriving.
Kia ora – a greeting meaning be well, have life.
Mauri ora – a blessing affirming the life force within each person.
Whānau ora – wellness of the family, seen as essential to individual well-being.
Māori wellness is holistic. Ora is not just physical health, but also:
Wairua (spiritual health) – connection to the sacred and unseen.
Hinengaro (mental/emotional health) – clarity of thought and heart.
Tinana (physical health) – strength and vitality of the body.
Whānau (family and community health) – relationships and belonging.
“He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora.”
Positive feelings in the heart will raise one’s sense of well-being.
This worldview explains why the Treaty Principles Bill felt like more than legislation—it was experienced as a threat to ora itself.
The Bill That Sparked a Haka
In late 2024, ACT Party leader David Seymour introduced the Treaty Principles Bill, aiming to redefine how the Treaty of Waitangi is interpreted in law. Supporters claimed it would “clarify” constitutional principles, but critics said it would undermine Māori rights, weaken co-governance, and erode the Treaty partnership that safeguards Māori ora.
The bill narrowly passed its first reading, but during debate, Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke rose, tore a copy of the bill, and performed the haka Ka Mate. Other MPs and supporters in the gallery joined, filling Parliament with a living, breathing expression of cultural resistance.
It was not just political—it was spiritual. The haka proclaimed that Māori ora could not be legislated away.
Public Response and Political Defeat
The haka ignited a wave of opposition. More than 300,000 submissions were filed with the Justice Select Committee—90% against. Communities rallied, iwi leaders spoke out, and the message was clear: Māori ora was non-negotiable.
On April 10, 2025, Parliament voted on the second reading. The bill was crushed: 112 MPs opposed, only 11 in favour.
Courage, Wellness, and Endurance
The victory was not only political. It was a reaffirmation of Māori wellness—the collective ora of a people standing strong in identity, culture, and unity.
“Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.”
Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.
Meeting with Ministry of Justice for New Zealand, from the Mouri Tribe
By weaving together courage, haka, and ora, Māori ensured that their vision of wellness—holistic, communal, and enduring—prevailed. The defeat of the Treaty Principles Bill was not just the end of legislation. It was proof that ora thrives when people unite, protect their culture, and refuse to be silenced.
Final Word
In defeating the Treaty Principles Bill, Māori proved that tradition, unity, and courage can overcome even the most determined political challenges. The haka became not just an act of protest, but a declaration of survival, sovereignty, and success.
“Ka whawhai tonu mātou mō ake ake ake.”
We will fight on forever and ever.
References
The Guardian. (2025, April 10). ‘Grubby’ Treaty Principles Bill voted down in New Zealand parliament. Retrieved from theguardian.com
Reuters. (2025, April 10). New Zealand parliament rejects controversial indigenous law. Retrieved from reuters.com
Washington Post. (2025, March 6). New Zealand’s Māori protest Treaty Principles Bill with haka in parliament. Retrieved from washingtonpost.com
Associated Press. (2025, June 5). New Zealand suspends MPs after haka protest against bill curbing Māori rights. Retrieved from apnews.com
People Magazine. (2024, November 14). Māori lawmakers perform haka to protest New Zealand bill. Retrieved from people.com
Parliament of New Zealand. (2025, April 10). Hansard: Debate on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill (Second Reading). Retrieved from parliament.nz
Wikipedia. (2025). Treaty Principles Bill. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org
