By Lucy CraymerWELLINGTON (Reuters) - Roughly 600 protesters on Tuesday marched to where New Zealand’s founding document was signed in the town of Waitangi, as official celebrations competed with protests against proposed government policies that threaten Indigenous rights. Demonstrators were protesting New Zealand's centre-right coalition's promises to undo policies that promoted the official use of the Maori language and sought to enhance Indigenous living standards and rights. The protesters arrived carrying signs asking the treaty be honoured and many people were waving the national Maori flag or the United Tribes flag. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and some of his coalition ministers arrived at the venue on Monday and were met by protesters displeased at moves to change Indigenous policy. Protest has long been part of Waitangi celebrations and in 1995 official events had to be cancelled due to anger over government policies.

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Persons: Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON, ” Moea Armstrong, Christopher Luxon, Lucy Craymer, Josie Kao Organizations: Reuters, New, Maori, United Tribes, British Crown Locations: Waitangi, New, New Zealand