Māori MPs Face Suspension After Protest Haka in New Zealand Parliament

New Zealand's Parliament Faces Controversy as Māori MPs Face Suspension for Protest Haka WELLINGTON, New Zealand – A protest haka performed by Māori Members of Parliament (MPs) in the New Zealand Parliament has sparked a major controversy, leading to recommendations for suspensions. The event unfolded during a debate over a bill seeking to redefine the country's founding treaty, the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori leaders. The protest, initiated by MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, gained significant attention both domestically and internationally. The video footage clearly shows the MPs performing the haka, a traditional Māori dance, as a form of protest against the controversial bill. A BBC journalist interviewed for the video explains the bill's significance and its potential impact on the relationship between the New Zealand government and the Māori people. The journalist highlights the historical context of the Treaty of Waitangi and the deep-seated concerns among Māori regarding its potential redefinition. Following the protest, a parliamentary committee recommended suspensions for the involved MPs, citing concerns that the haka could have been perceived as intimidating to other lawmakers. Rawiri Waititi, a co-leader of the Māori Party, commented, "The recommendations are a warning shot to all of us to fall in line." The Māori Party strongly criticized the recommendations. The proposed suspensions are expected to be put to a vote on Tuesday, and the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the political landscape of New Zealand and the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Treaty of Waitangi.