What is Haka Dance? Why does New Zealand suspend MPs who performed it in parliament

New Zealand's three MPs of the Maori Party have been handed unprecedented suspensions for performing a traditional Maori haka during a vote on the controversial Treaty Principles Bill . Co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, along with the youngest MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, broke into the haka in protest, with Maipi-Clarke also tearing up a copy of the bill. Their performance, which quickly went viral, has stirred national debate on the limits of cultural expression in formal government settings and raised questions about political representation and Indigenous rights .


Why were the MPs suspended who performed Haka dance in the parliament
The privileges committee ruled that the haka disrupted the legislative process and may have intimidated other members of Parliament. As a result, Ngarewa-Packer and Waititi were suspended for three weeks, while Maipi-Clarke received a seven-day suspension. The committee deemed the protest a serious breach of parliamentary rules , marking the harshest punishment ever handed down to sitting MPs in New Zealand.


What is Haka
Haka is a traditional Maori ceremonial dance that involves vigorous movements, foot stomping, and rhythmic chanting. Historically performed by both men and women, haka is used to welcome guests, celebrate achievements, or express protest and mourning. It is a deeply rooted part of Maori culture and identity. In modern times, haka has become internationally known through performances by New Zealand sports teams, particularly the All Blacks rugby team.


What was the Treaty Principles Bill
The Treaty Principles Bill aimed to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi — New Zealand’s founding document between Maori iwi (tribes) and the British Crown. Introduced by the ACT Party, the bill drew sharp criticism for its perceived attempt to weaken protections for Maori people. It sparked the largest Maori rights protest in New Zealand’s history and was eventually voted down in April 2025.


How did parliament react
Judith Collins, Attorney-General and chair of the committee, described the MPs’ actions as “the worst incident” she had witnessed in over two decades in Parliament. While Labour acknowledged that the protest breached rules, they argued that the punishment was overly severe. The Green Party fully opposed the suspensions, expressing concern that Maori voters would be left unrepresented during the critical national budget session.


What did the Maori Party say
Te Pati Maori defended their actions, calling the haka a culturally appropriate response to legislation that threatened Indigenous rights. “When tangata whenua resist, colonial powers reach for maximum penalty,” the party said in a statement, warning that the suspensions send a chilling message to Indigenous voices in government. They also rejected the interpretation that Ngarewa-Packer made a threatening gesture, insisting it was part of traditional oratory.


What’s next
The suspensions are expected to be officially confirmed by vote in Parliament. During their suspension, the three MPs will lose their salaries and be barred from attending debates, including next week’s budget discussions. The event has reignited national conversations around freedom of expression, cultural identity, and the role of protest in democratic institutions.