The proposed bill aims to extend special rights originally guaranteed to Maori tribes through the treaty to all citizens, which has ignited significant protests from the Maori communities.
Tensions escalated as two lawmakers were ejected from the session, which was suspended due to the powerful cultural protests embodied in the haka performed by Maori protesters.
Hundreds of Maori protesters have joined a nine-day march to Wellington in response to the bill, underscoring the strong opposition to what they view as a violation of their treaty rights.
Despite passing its first reading, the bill faces an uphill battle to become law, as it does not have broad support among lawmakers, and tensions continue to rise.
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