### Maori Protest Disrupts New Zealand Parliament Over Controversial Treaty Bill

New Zealand's parliament experienced a temporary suspension on Thursday when Maori members performed a haka to derail the vote on a controversial bill. This legislation aims to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, a historic agreement signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs. The Treaty of Waitangi has been a foundational document guiding the governance and policy decisions between the British and the Indigenous Maori for 184 years.

The Treaty has seen various interpretations over the years, progressively expanding Maori rights through court rulings and decisions by a separate Maori tribunal. However, the ACT New Zealand party, a junior partner in the center-right coalition government, introduced a bill seeking to narrow the interpretation of the Treaty. Critics argue that this new interpretation could discriminate against non-Indigenous citizens.

During Thursday's preliminary vote on this contentious bill, the Maori party members interrupted the session by performing a haka. This traditional Maori dance, which gained international recognition through New Zealand's rugby team, was echoed by people in the gallery, causing a suspension of the parliamentary session amid the disruptions.

David Seymour, leader of ACT New Zealand, criticized the opposition, claiming they aimed to "stir up" fear and division. He insisted that his mission was to "empower every person." Despite Seymour's defense, the bill is perceived by many Maori and their advocates as a threat to the rights of New Zealand's Indigenous population, which constitutes about 20% of the nation's 5.3 million people.

In response to the proposed legislation, hundreds have embarked on a nine-day protest march, or hikoi, converging from the north of New Zealand towards the capital, Wellington. Demonstrators have organized rallies in various towns and cities along their route, anticipating a significant gathering of tens of thousands when they arrive in Wellington on Tuesday.

Although the bill has passed its first reading, it faces slim odds of becoming law. Coalition partners the National Party and New Zealand First are only backing the initial reading as part of their coalition agreement but have stated they will not support it further, indicating that the legislation is unlikely to progress.