Tens of thousands of New Zealanders gathered outside the parliament in one of the country’s largest demonstrations to oppose the Treaty Principles Bill, which critics say undermines Maori rights and threatens race relations.

Tens of thousands of people have marched on New Zealand’s capital against a bill to redefine Maori rights in one of the largest protests in the country’s history.

A nine-day march by Maori ended in a Wellington rally to protest a bill said to weaken Maori rights. Protesters wore traditional attire or shirts with 'Toitu te Tiriti' (honour the treaty), highlighting calls to respect the Treaty of Waitangi.