New Zealand Parliament Faces Disruption As MPs Perform Haka Young Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke leads protest against Treaty Principles Bill, sparking global debate on indigenous rights. Maipi-Clarke's haka interrupted the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill for approximately thirty minutes, reveling strong reactions—both supportive and disapproving. Nevertheless, her act of rebellion highlighted not only the procedural issues at hand but also broader societal tensions surrounding Māori rights and the legacy of colonization. Alongside the parliamentary drama, protests mobilizing thousands of supporters, known as hīkoi, have unfolded across New Zealand, demanding recognition and respect for Māori rights. The recent push by David Seymour is evidently seen as seeking to dilute those hard-won agreements, causing anxiety about the future status of Māori rights.

Source: The Star November 17, 2024 15:36 UTC