Controversial bill to reinterpret New Zealand’s founding document reaches parliament

The widely criticised bill aims to redefine Treaty of Waitangi principles that guide relations between Māori and ruling authorities

• New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi explained in 30 seconds

A controversial bill that seeks to radically change how New Zealand’s treaty between Māori and the Crown is interpreted in modern times will be introduced to parliament on Thursday, nearly two weeks ahead of its initial schedule.

The Treaty of Waitangi is considered New Zealand’s founding document and is instrumental in upholding Māori rights. The bill will be tabled in parliament by the libertarian Act party, a minor partner in New Zealand’s coalition government, which has regularly called for an end to “division by race”.