A Nation Divided: New Zealand's Indigenous Rights in Jeopardy
New Zealand’s Indigenous Rights in Jeopardy New Zealand, once a beacon of hope for Indigenous rights, is facing a tumultuous new era. The country’s right-wing government has ordered public agencies to stop affirmative action policies for Māori people, who are disadvantaged in almost every aspect of life ¹. The Rise of Māori Culture Despite the government’s stance, Māori culture and language have experienced a resurgence in popularity. The language, once on the brink of extinction, is now an integral part of everyday life in New Zealand. People are eager to learn, with waiting lists for classes and a chain store’s Māori language week clothing line selling out in minutes ¹. A Fraught Debate However, this newfound enthusiasm for Māori culture belies a fraught debate about race in New Zealand. The polarized politics and backlash against the previous left-wing government have fueled tensions, with some claiming that special treatment for Māori people has created social division and unequal