Three Maori MPs Face Suspension Over ‘Intimidating’ Haka Protest

New Zealand’s parliament is set to vote on suspending three Maori MPs who performed a traditional Maori war dance; haka during a debate on a contentious race relations bill. The parliamentary committee has recommended suspensions for the MPs citing their actions as potentially intimidating and in contempt of parliament.

A 22-year-old MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke led a powerful haka in the chamber during a debate on the bill on November 14, 2024. The haka is a traditional Maori dance often performed to challenge or intimidate, hence disrupting the proceedings. Maipi-Clarke also ripped up a copy of the bill to make matters worse.

Joining Maipi-Clarke were co-leaders of the Maori Party, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi. Their actions were seen as a strong protest against the bill, which they and many Maori activists believe undermines the rights and cultural heritage of the indigenous Maori population.

The parliamentary committee has recommended the following suspensions; a seven-day suspension for initiating the haka and ripping up the bill, a 21-day suspension, and a 21-day suspension.
These suspensions, if approved, would be among the harshest ever imposed in New Zealand’s parliament. The committee cited the MPs’ actions as potentially intimidating and in contempt of the legislative process.

The Maori Party has strongly criticized the proposed suspensions. Party leaders argue that the recommendations are disproportionately harsh and serve as a warning to resist colonial powers. They see the haka and the protest as a legitimate form of expression and a means to highlight the concerns of the Maori community.

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer stated, “This is a clear attempt to silence our voices and suppress our cultural rights. The haka is a powerful form of protest, and we will not be intimidated by these attempts to punish us for standing up for our people.”

The MPs have garnered enough support from the Maori community through organization of protests and calling for a more inclusive and respectful approach to legislative processes.
The final decision on the suspensions will be voted on by the full parliament in the coming week.

The suspensions will take effect immediately if approved to temporarily remove the three MPs from their roles.