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New Zealand’s new government wants to restrict the rights of indigenous people. But they don’t want to accept that.
What is it about? In New Zealand, more than 10,000 people gathered on the North Island last Saturday to discuss how they want to counter the government’s plans. The government wants to restrict certain rights of the Maori – New Zealand’s indigenous people. “The fact that we are gathering here sends a strong signal to the world. We are noticed,” said the Maori King, King Tuheitia, who hosted the meeting.
Which special rights should be eliminated? Maori particularly criticize the dismantling of health services. SRF correspondent Urs Wälterlin explains what it’s about: Maori suffer above average from addictions, one of which is smoking. The previous government took particularly tough action against this, but that is exactly what the current government wants to partially reverse. In addition, the Maori also suffered from diseases that are typically associated with poverty. “Domestic violence is also a big problem among the Maori, with all the tragic health consequences,” said the correspondent.
Which rights should be downgraded further? It’s also about the use of the Maori language. In addition to English, everything in New Zealand is also written in Maori. “Maori expressions are used as a matter of course in the newspapers and on television,” says the correspondent. The government now wants to reduce the use of Maori in administration.
Legend:
Already in December, thousands demonstrated against the government’s plans under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Keystone/Mike Scott
Why is Prime Minister Christopher Luxon planning such a thing? Urs Wälterlin explains it like this: “Luxon has to satisfy a lot of people. On the one hand, he is bowing to pressure from his right-wing conservative coalition partners, and on the other hand, he is bowing to pressure from non-indigenous New Zealanders. They criticize that Maori have too many privileges.” This view certainly has something to do with New Zealand’s current not particularly good economic situation, says Wälterlin. “You can certainly use the word envy in this context.”
How will the Maori defend themselves? «One must not forget: Maori are traditionally a warlike people. “In the past they attacked each other and their enemies with clubs and spears, but today they use political weapons,” says Wälterlin.
Legend:
A Maori tradition that the New Zealand national rugby team practices before every game: the Haka.
Keystone/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO
What is the position of Maori in New Zealand society? Unlike in Australia, for example, many New Zealanders are proud of the First Nations culture. There is not only the aforementioned envy, there is also pride, says Wälterlin. “Seventeen percent of Kiwis – as New Zealanders describe themselves – are Maori. In such a multicultural society, many have relatives who are Maori,” says the correspondent.