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.

Thousands joined a march toward New Zealand's national capital on November 15 after a contentious Indigenous treaty bill. Several rallies protesting against the Treaties Bill are being staged in towns across the country as a nine-day march.