New Zealand lawmakers suspended over haka protest in parliament
New Zealand lawmakers suspended over haka protest in parliament
New Zealand’s Parliament on Thursday approved record suspensions for three Te Pati Maori lawmakers who performed a haka during a protest against a proposed bill affecting Indigenous rights, media outlets reported.
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke received a seven-day suspension, while party leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi were barred for 21 days. The unprecedented disciplinary action followed their movement across the chamber toward opponents during the haka, not the performance itself.
Critics argued the penalties reflect discomfort with Maori cultural expression. Despite efforts to reach consensus, the government’s majority secured the vote. The bill in question was later defeated following widespread opposition.
