MPs Perform Haka to Disrupt Debate Over Bill That Could Limit Unique Maori Legal Rights

Speaker Gerry Brownlee was forced to take the rare move of suspending the House and clearing the public gallery after Maori Party MPs performed a haka.

Hikoi (community march) members walk across the Auckland Harbour Bridge on day three of a nine-day journey to Wellington in New Zealand on Nov. 13, 2024. A hīkoi is traveling across New Zealand, with Māori communities marching to Wellington to protect and advocate for the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi and unique Māori rights. Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Confusion and chaos engulfed New Zealand’s Parliament after MPs from the minor Māori Party interrupted a party vote on the Treaty Principles Bill.

Sitting members staged a ceremonial haka and refused calls for order during a vote on whether the contentious Bill should be referred to a Select Committee for further investigation.