Demonstrators are protesting against the government’s “anti-Maori” policies.

Thousands of people demonstrated in New Zealand on Thursday to protest against a center-right government accused of undermining long-established legal protections for indigenous Maori people. On the same day that the government in power since November presented its first draft budget, rallies were held in Auckland, Wellington and other cities across the country. “We must oppose all anti-Māori actions implemented by this government.”As announced in a press release, the organizer of these demonstrations was Te Pati Māori (Māori Party).

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s National Party-led coalition plans to change the names of some services from Māori to English and close Te Aka wai Ora, the Māori health authority. The government is also considering revising the Treaty of Waitangi, concluded in 1840 between the British colonial authorities and Maori chiefs. This agreement recognized British colonialism but guaranteed Māori authority over their land. Indigenous people now make up 17% of the population.

By noon, traffic in the center of the capital, Wellington, had stopped. The streets were full of protesters, many of whom waved the Māori flag and chanted “Totera mai nga iwi” Which calls for unity. “It just shows the actions against the government and the measures they have put in place.”Labor Party MP Carmel Cipollone, who was present in the procession, told AFP. “They set the gunpowder on fire.”. The Prime Minister’s Office was unable to comment on the protests on Thursday, but a day earlier Christopher Luxon had hoped so. “Peacefully and lawfully”.