TRANSCRIPT
These are the voices of Maori leaders and representatives from across New Zealand who have gathered to attend a national meeting declared by the Maori King, Kingi Tuheitia.
Organisers say around 10-thousand people travelled to the North Island town of Ngaaruawaahia to attend the meeting, or Hui on Saturday 20th January.
They have gathered to protest against what they believe is a threat posed to Maori rights from the newly elected conservative government, led by the National Party's Christopher Luxon .
Kiingi Tuheitia addressed the crowd, saying the calling of a national Hui, which is a rare occurrence, sends a clear message.
"We've sent a strong message and that's the message has been heard around the world. Today I started something new. And this is just a one out time is now Kotahitanga is the way."
Central to the concerns communicated at the meeting is the Treaty Principles Bill - which sets out how the Treaty of Waitangi is interpreted.
For the past few decades both sides of politics have largely supported the Treaty, which commits to preserve Maori culture and the interests of Maori people including their language.
But following the October election, the government moved to axe the newly established Maori health authority and ordered departments with Maori and English names to prioritise English.
Kiingi Tuheitia says the government's recent actions undermine the Treaty, and misinterpret its meaning in damaging ways.
"The Treaty of Waitangi gives our rights. And confirms that our- well you know, we are already here. We're only interested in one version. There's no principles. The treaty is written. That's it."
The government's recent actions have prompted protests across the country.
And in December last year, the country's youngest MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke from the Te Pāti Māori party, made these comments in parliament.
"The government has attacked my whole world from every corner How can I not take anything personally when it feels like these policies were made about me."
The Treaty Principles Bill is being spearheaded by the right-leaning ACT Party.
It aims to redefine or clarify the Treaty's principles, but as this woman attending the national Hui says, exactly how isn't clear.
"I'm here today because I want to see the Waitangi treaty upheld and looked after and protected. We're here to support Kiingitanga , bring the ((Maori name)) together because we're concerned about this government and what they think about the Treaty of Waitangi, what they want to do to it. Do they want to change it ? Who are they to change it ? Especially without the people's consent."
Kiingi Tuheitia says the best way for Maori people to show their resistance is to continue to show strength and resilience through Maori identity and culture.
"The best protest we can do right now is being Maori. Be who we are living our values, speak our language, just be Maori. Maori all day, every day. We are here. We are strong."
Prime Minister Luxon did not attend the meeting called by the King, and the issue is expected to weigh heavily on New Zealand's national day next month on the February 6.
