The New Zealand Parliament was suspended on November 14 after Maori members disrupted a vote on a bill revisiting the 184-year-old Treaty of Waitangi. Critics of the bill argue the legislation undermines Maori rights, a concern for the Indigenous group, which comprises 20% of New Zealand’s population of 5.3 million. Signed in 1840 between the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs, the treaty’s interpretation continues to influence NZ’s laws and policies.

New ZealandMaori rightsindigenous peoplestreaty of Waitangiindigenous justicecultural heritage