In a significant development, New Zealand’s parliament has suspended three lawmakers following their performance of a Māori haka as a protest against a controversial proposed law. This action was taken on Thursday in response to criticisms that the legislation would undermine indigenous rights.
Suspensions and their implications
Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke has been issued a seven-day suspension, while her political party leaders, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, face a much longer ban of 21 days. These suspensions were recommended by a parliamentary privilege committee, which concluded that their actions potentially intimidated other members of the House.
This marks a notable precedent in New Zealand’s political history, as prior to this instance, the longest suspension a lawmaker faced was three days. The current record for suspensions, particularly for Ngarewa-Packer and Waititi, underscores the gravity with which parliament viewed their actions.
The protest and public reaction
The three politicians expressed their opposition to the widely unpopular Treaty Principles Bill by performing a haka in Parliament. This bill, which has since been defeated, aimed to legally clarify the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. This treaty, a crucial document in New Zealand’s history, was signed between Māori leaders and the British Crown during the colonization of New Zealand. Critics argued that the proposed bill would be detrimental to the rights of indigenous peoples.
The issue sparked widespread public dissent, with over 40,000 individuals gathered outside parliament to protest during the bill’s first reading last year. This situation ignited ongoing discussions among lawmakers regarding the repercussions of the actions taken by the Te Pāti Māori politicians. It raised questions about whether New Zealand’s Parliament genuinely embraces Māori culture or perceives it as a challenge.
“The actions of these lawmakers have initiated a critical dialogue about the treatment of Māori culture within our legislative framework,”
the spokesperson for the Te Pāti Māori party stated. This incident not only highlights the contentious nature of the proposed law but also emphasizes the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights in New Zealand.