New Zealand MPs Face Suspension After Haka Protest

New Zealand Parliament Considers Suspending Indigenous MPs Following Haka Incident A New Zealand parliamentary committee has recommended the temporary suspension of three Indigenous lawmakers for their actions during the reading of a contentious bill last year. The MPs performed a haka, a traditional Māori war dance, which included what the committee described as a simulation of firing a gun at another member of parliament. The incident occurred on November 14, 2024, before a vote on a bill to reinterpret the 184-year-old Treaty of Waitangi between the British and Māori. Judith Collins, the head of the Privileges Committee, stated, "It is not acceptable to physically approach another member on the floor of the debating chamber." She further emphasized that this was particularly unacceptable due to the simulation of gun violence. The committee's report highlights the importance of upholding parliamentary rules and procedures, regardless of the cultural context or political beliefs of the individuals involved. The haka, while a significant cultural practice, was deemed inappropriate in the context of the parliamentary proceedings. The full parliament will now vote on whether to approve the committee's recommendation for suspension. This incident underscores the complexities of balancing cultural expression with the rules and decorum of parliamentary procedure. The upcoming vote will be closely watched as it highlights the ongoing dialogue about representation and cultural sensitivity within New Zealand's political landscape.