Nine-day march across New Zealand culminates in Wellington as huge numbers gather to protest bill that opponents say seeks to dilute Māori rights. What is the treaty principles bill? 00:19 More from the indefatigable Eva Corlett – a background explainer on the Treaty Principles Bill.

A nine-day march by Maori and their supporters across New Zealand has culminated in Wellington on Tuesday at a rally with thousands readying to protest against a bill that opponents say seek to dilute the rights of the Maori.

Booming Indigenous Maori "haka" chants rang out across New Zealand's capital on Tuesday, as thousands rallied against a conservative proposal accused of stoking racial divisions. Former conservative prime minister Jenny Shipley said the proposal threatened to "divide New Zealand in a way that I haven't lived through in my adult life".