Mass protests were held in New Zealand this week over an effort to weaken the rights of the Maori, who often serve as environmental stewards.

“Indigenous rights have been one of the strongest roadblocks to corporate exploitation.”

“That redefinition could diminish Māori participation and environmental governance, as the treaty currently ensures that Māori involvement in managing national natural resources,” said Mike Smith, a Māori climate activist who has two climate lawsuits pending before the country’s high court. “So by limiting these rights, the bill may weaken the environmental stewardship practices that are rooted in Māori morals and values and thereby impact the country’s ability to address all the environmental challenges, and more particularly combat climate change effectively.”