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Deputy PM Faces Outrage Over Controversial Maori Comments

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 6, 2026, at Waitangi Day celebrations, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour faced backlash after claiming colonisation benefited the Maori, sparking boos.
Seymour dismissed critics as "muppets" and expressed frustration over their actions.
The remarks came amid accusations that his administration aims to curtail rights of about 900,000 Maori.
Following Seymour, Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins also faced jeers from the crowd.

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Story summary

On February 6, 2026, at Waitangi Day celebrations, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour faced backlash after claiming colonisation benefited the Maori, sparking boos.
Seymour dismissed critics as "muppets" and expressed frustration over their actions.
The remarks came amid accusations that his administration aims to curtail rights of about 900,000 Maori.
Following Seymour, Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins also faced jeers from the crowd.