In November 2024, three Māori lawmakers from New Zealand’s Te Pāti Māori party—co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, along with MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke—performed a traditional haka in Parliament to protest the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. This bill aimed to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s foundational agreement between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, raising concerns about potential erosion of Māori rights. During the protest, Maipi-Clarke also tore up a copy of the bill, actions that led to the suspension of parliamentary proceedings for the day .(The Times of India, The Guardian, The Times of India)
The Parliamentary Privileges Committee later recommended suspensions for the lawmakers: 21 days for Waititi and Ngarewa-Packer, and seven days for Maipi-Clarke. These recommendations were based on the view that their actions were disruptive and potentially intimidating to other members. Attorney-General Judith Collins emphasized that the issue was about maintaining parliamentary rules, not the haka itself .(The Times of India, Reuters, Reuters)
The proposed suspensions sparked significant public debate and protest. Many viewed the disciplinary actions as excessive and a suppression of Indigenous expression. Public demonstrations, including haka performances, were held in solidarity with the MPs. Opposition parties expressed concerns over the severity of the punishments, with Labour leader Chris Hipkins suggesting a censure instead of suspension .(Reuters, Reuters, RNZ)
The parliamentary debate on the suspensions was initially scheduled but has been deferred to June 5, 2025, to allow full participation in the federal budget discussions. This delay has further intensified discussions about cultural expression, democratic protest, and fairness in parliamentary discipline .(Reuters, AP News)
The incident continues to resonate nationally, highlighting the complexities of integrating cultural practices within formal governmental procedures and the ongoing discourse on Indigenous rights in New Zealand.(The Times of India)
