The treaty of Waitangi was signed on the 6th of february 1840 this treaty was signed. It was signed by 40 chiefs, the purpose of this treaty was to let the british settlers and Maori people to live in peace. I think this plays a big part in this protest. I think that they are protesting because the british stole the land from the Maori people now the Maori People are wanting them to 'honour the treaty' like they should.