The Treaty of Waitangi, which is the focus of the proposed bill, dates back to 1840 and is considered New Zealand's founding document. The agreement was signed by Māori chiefs and the British monarchy and focused on rectifying wrongs done to the indigenous people when the country was colonized.

New Zealand's parliament witnessed a powerful protest as opposition MPs performed a haka to oppose a controversial bill. The bill aims to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, the country's founding document with the Māori people.