New Zealand rejects proposed law to redefine treaty principles bill

Members of parliament in New Zealand celebrate as the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected in a 112 to 11 vote in Wellington (Robert Kitchin/AP)

New Zealand legislators dealt an overwhelming defeat to a controversial proposed law seeking to redefine the country’s founding treaty between Maori tribes and the British Crown.

The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi bill was rejected by Parliament in a 112 to 11 vote in Wellington on Thursday, halting its progress to a third and final vote.