EXPLAINER: Why Thousands of Māoris Are Protesting New Laws Targeting Race Relations in the NZ

Historic gathering of tribes from across the country.

The Maori King Tūheitia Paki (L) and Makau Ariki (R) during the Powhiri welcome for both the Moana Pasifika and the Maori All Blacks at Turangawaewae Marae in Hamilton, New Zealand, on Dec. 3, 2020. Phil Walter/Getty Images

Although New Zealand’s Māori population is usually seen as homogenous, they are not. Many tribes are not part of the Kīngitanga movement (Māori King movement), and don’t see King Tuheitia as their leader.

So when the king called a hui (meeting) at Tūrangawaewae to discuss the government’s proposed Treaty Principles Bill, it was initially expected that perhaps 3,000 people would attend.