Three Māori MPs face potential suspension due to a haka demonstration during a parliamentary session, raising questions about cultural expression versus parliamentary decorum.
Suspension Looms for Māori MPs Over Haka Protest in Parliament
Suspension Looms for Māori MPs Over Haka Protest in Parliament
Proposed penalties for a traditional Māori haka deemed 'intimidating' to lawmakers spark controversy.
In a significant development in New Zealand's parliamentary proceedings, a committee has recommended the suspension of three Māori MPs following their performance of a haka, a traditional Māori dance, during a controversial bill discussion last year. The decision centers around Opposition MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, who initiated the haka as her party was questioned about its stance on a bill intended to redefine New Zealand's foundational treaty.
The parliamentary committee concluded that the haka might have "intimidated" fellow legislators, leading to suggestions for Maipi-Clarke's suspension for one week, while co-leaders of the Māori Party, Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, could face a 21-day ban. In an assertive statement, the Māori Party described the penalties as a "warning shot" aimed at compelling their compliance, stressing a history of punitive measures against indigenous voices.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters assertively branded the trio as "out-of-control MPs" who disrupt parliamentary rules with their actions. The suspensions are expected to be voted on this coming Tuesday.
The contentious Treaty Principles Bill, which faced immense public disapproval, aimed to legally redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi — an 1840 agreement between the British Crown and Māori leaders during New Zealand's colonization. The proposed bill was overwhelmingly shot down, receiving only 11 votes in favor out of 123, as more than 40,000 gathered in protest against it outside Parliament.
Prior to the committee's decision, Maipi-Clarke also made headlines when she publicly ripped up a copy of the bill to emphasize her opposition. The events have spurred significant discourse on the interplay between cultural expression in governance and the adherence to parliamentary conduct in New Zealand.
