Three Māori Party Members of Parliament (MPs) have received historic suspensions. They held an elaborate symbolic protest inside the debating chamber. The protest included a moving haka performance. It was designed to creatively and dramatically oppose the Treaty Principles Bill, an inflammatory bill of outrageously bad legislation that’s sparked a firestorm of angry protests across New Zealand.
Last November, while speaking in front of the New Zealand Parliament, 22-year-old Ms. Maipi-Clarke took a dare. Then she rose, ripped the bill in half and started to do an electrifying anti-TTP protest haka. Her fellow MPs Mr. Waititi and Ms. Ngarewa-Packer soon followed suit. In unison, they jubilantly performed the historic Ka Mate haka. Their actions caused such a distraction and uproar that the parliamentary proceedings were thrown into such disarray, a prorogation of parliament was ultimately necessary.
Background of the Protest
The igniting cause has been the Treaty Principles Bill which has led to simmering, widespread anger throughout New Zealand. In late November, almost 40,000 people participated in a spectacular hikoi—an epic tsunami-like organized march—on the steps of parliament. Opponents say that the bill represents an attempt to re-interpret New Zealand’s 185-year-old Treaty of Waitangi. This treaty continues to define the relationship between the tutelary British Crown and Indigenous Māori people of Aotearoa.
The chair of the Privileges Committee and attorney-general Judith Collins said the haka forced the Speaker of the House to suspend proceedings for half an hour. This ruling was issued due to the lack of a permit for the performance in advance. This striking move further underscored the clash between parliamentary decorum and the stroke of cultural identity.
“A member can swear at another member, a member of cabinet can lay their hands on a staff member, a member can drive up the steps of parliament, a member can swear in parliament, and yet they weren’t given five minutes of suspension,” – Ms. Maipi-Clarke
The protest was not without controversy. Some critics decried the timing of the haka, claiming it disrespectful while votes were still being counted. Despite this, advocates argue that the haka represents strength and cultural solidarity.
Reactions from Māori MPs
After their removal from the meeting, Ms. Maipi-Clarke said she would not let them be spoken to in that manner. She emphasized that Māori voices would not be suppressed and drew parallels between their current struggles and the historical silencing of their ancestors.
“Now you’ve traded the noose for legislation. Well, we will not be silenced,” – Ms. Maipi-Clarke
Articulating the larger purpose behind their actions, Mr. Waititi stated, he connected them to the historical injustices faced by Māori people. He emphasized that their protest was not just about adhering to or flouting parliamentary decorum, but about a history of deep-seated injustices.
“The silencing of us today is a reminder of the silencing of our ancestors of the past, and it continues to happen,” – Mr. Waititi
Ms. Ngarewa-Packer then got a new round of accusations for aiming her fingers like a gun at David Seymour. He is the leader of the right-wing ACT Party, which is extremely unpopular. The incident proved to be even more highly incendiary fuel thrown on the fire brewing around their actions.
Responses from Political Figures
A range of political leaders and commentators around the country have reacted strongly, both positively and negatively, to the unprecedented suspensions. Judith Collins justified the decision by highlighting the critical need to uphold order within parliament.
“It’s not about the haka … it is about following the rules of parliament that we are all obliged to follow and that we all pledged to follow,” – Judith Collins
Labour MP Duncan Webb condemned the suspensions as heavy-handed and out of proportion. He argued that this type of decision would be contrary to all past practice by the Privileges Committee.
“This decision is wildly out of step with any other decision of the Privileges Committee,” – Duncan Webb
New Zealand today is in the thick of a debate on Māori rights and representation. This episode reflects and exacerbates a greater rupture and state of conflict in the country’s current politics.
