VIDEO: Tens Of Thousands Of People Protest Against Bill To Change New Zealand’s Treaty With Native Maori People Outside Parliament

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Wellington, New Zealand, on Nov. 19, to protest against a bill that proposes to alter the way the country’s treaty between the indigenous Maori and the British Crown is interpreted.

The bill has been criticized for challenging principles outlined in New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi – signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs.

Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell told local media that about 42,000 people had gathered at the Parliamentary precinct and surrounding streets.

Videos from Seon Venville show protesters marching in the streets near New Zealand’s parliament, many waving the Maori flag.

Last week, Maori members of parliament ripped up the bill and performed a haka dance during an official session, leading to the suspension of parliament.

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