Māori Lawmakers' Haka Disrupts Parliament Over Treaty Bill
New Zealand’s Parliament experienced a dramatic disruption on November 14, 2024, as Māori lawmakers performed a haka to protest against a controversial bill seeking to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi—an 1840 agreement that established the framework for Māori rights in New Zealand. The protest led to a temporary suspension of parliamentary proceedings, highlighting the tension surrounding the proposed legislation.
The “Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill,” introduced by the ACT New Zealand party, aims to establish a narrower legal interpretation of the treaty. Critics, including Māori leaders and numerous protesters, argue that this bill threatens the rights of New Zealand’s Indigenous population, which comprises approximately 20% of the 5.3 million residents. The proposed legislation has sparked public outrage and significant protests across the country, including a nine-day hikoi (march) progressing toward the capital, Wellington.
During the parliamentary session, Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke stood, tore up a copy of the bill, and began the haka, a traditional Māori dance symbolizing strength and unity. Other lawmakers, along with individuals in the public gallery, joined in, creating a powerful display of dissent against the bill’s implications. The situation escalated, resulting in the speaker of the house suspending proceedings to restore order.
The ACT party’s leader, David Seymour, asserted that the existing interpretation of the treaty grants Māori different rights from other New Zealanders, and the bill’s intent is to clarify these principles to ensure fairness. However, members of the opposition have condemned the proposal, claiming it undermines decades of progress in Māori rights and revitalization efforts, including language and healthcare initiatives.
Despite passing its first reading with support from the ruling coalition, the likelihood of the bill becoming law remains uncertain. Key partners within the coalition, including the National Party and New Zealand First, have indicated they will not support its progression, suggesting the proposed legislation may ultimately fail.
As tensions surrounding Indigenous rights and historical agreements resurface, this parliamentary disruption reflects broader societal debates on New Zealand’s colonial past and the ongoing struggle for Māori sovereignty and representation. The hikoi is expected to culminate in a significant rally in Wellington, demonstrating widespread opposition to potential changes in the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Moment MP leads haka to disrupt New Zealand parliament
Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke led the haka and ripped up a copy of a contentious bill being voted on.
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New Zealand MPs disrupt parliament with haka | CNN
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New Zealand Parliament Suspended as Maori Lawmakers Perform Haka to Protest Bill
Opposition lawmakers performed the haka during a reading of a bill that would redefine the country’s founding treaty with its Indigenous people.
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New Zealand: Maori MPs disrupt parliament with haka – DW – 11/14/2024
New Zealand's parliament was suspended after Maori lawmakers performed a haka to interrupt a vote on a controversial bill.
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Voting temporarily suspended amid disruptions including a Māori party MP ripping up a copy of the bill
www.theguardian.com
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Māori lawmakers interrupted a New Zealand parliamentary vote with a Haka to protest a law that would erode the land and cultural rights of Indigenous
abcnews.go.com
New Zealand MPs disrupt parliament with haka to protest Indigenous treaty bill | CNN
In a dramatic display of cultural protest, Māori members of New Zealand’s parliament disrupted a crucial parliamentary session on Thursday by performi
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Maori haka in NZ parliament to protest at bill to reinterpret founding treaty
The Treaty Principles Bill seeks to redefine the principles that have been used in support of Māori.
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