The sweeping reinterpretation of the 1840 treaty signed by British representatives and 500 Māori chiefs during New Zealand’s colonization was never expected to become law.

The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected by Parliament in a 112 to 11 vote in Wellington, halting its progress to a third and final vote.

The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected by Parliament in a 112 to 11 vote in Wellington, halting its progress to a third and final vote.

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our ... The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected by Parliament in a 112 to 11 vote in ...

Members of Parliament celebrate as the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected by Parliament in a 112 to 11 vote in Wellington, New Zealand, Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Members of Parliament celebrate as the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected by Parliament in a 112 to 11 vote in Wellington, New Zealand, Thursday, April 10, 2025.

AP Members of Parliament celebrate as the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected by Parliament in a 112 to 11 vote in Wellington. By Associated Press.

New Zealand lawmakers have dealt an overwhelming defeat to a controversial proposed law seeking to redefine the country’s founding treaty between Māori tribes and the British Crown.

A student opposing the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill sits outside New Zealand's Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, Thursday, April 10, 2025.(AP Photo/ Charlotte Graham-McLay) ...

Members of Parliament celebrate as the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected by Parliament in a 112 to 11 vote in Wellington, New Zealand, Thursday, April 10, 2025.

A student opposing the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill sits outside New Zealand's Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, Thursday, April 10, 2025.(AP Photo/ Charlotte Graham-McLay) ...