By Yasin Gungor
ISTANBUL (AA) - Thousands of Maoris staged protests on Thursday across New Zealand against the government policies targeting indigenous people.
The demonstrations saw significant turnout in cities, including the capital Wellington, the New Zealand Herald reported.
Protesters gathered in front of the parliament building to express discontent with the current and proposed policies which include budget cuts impacting the Maori communities.
Organizer Te Pati Maori Party's leader voiced serious concerns over the government's approach to the Maori population.
The government has previously pledged to ensure equal rights for all New Zealanders and has proposed reviewing or repealing certain laws related to Maoris.
Maoris constitute about one-fifth of New Zealand’s five million population.