Maori King Tuheitia, has hosted a reported 10,000 people for a specially called “unity meeting” to discuss how to respond to policies by the new government of New Zealand seen by many Indigenous groups as undermining their rights and status. Critics say these vows are the most significant step backwards for Maori rights in decades, and some have taken legal action. The government of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says its plans address voters’ concerns, and are aimed at giving all New Zealanders equal rights. Maori King Tuheitia at the gathering on Saturday. Credit: StuffUp to 10,000 Maori and non-Maori descended on the Waikato town of Ngaruawahia for the talks on Saturday, according NZ media outlet Stuff quoting local tribe leaders, after the Maori King issued a royal proclamation – the first in a decade – for the event.
