Dispatch, Wellington, NZ—Members of Congress bickering in Washington have nothing on the legislators of New Zealand, who recently performed a Haka—a traditional Māori war dance—on the floor of Parliament in protest of a controversial bill.
The country is embroiled in debate over attempts to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, the nation’s foundational agreement between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. Signed in 1840, the treaty recognizes Māori ownership of indigenous lands and resources—but differing interpretations of its terms have sparked long-standing disputes over rights and sovereignty.
The dramatic protest unfolded during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill, introduced by the libertarian ACT Party. The bill aims to narrow the interpretation of the treaty—a move critics argue would undermine decades of progress in addressing colonial-era injustices.
As the debate intensified, Te Pāti Māori member Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke stood and performed a Haka, tearing up a copy of the bill in a powerful display of dissent. Opposition MPs and members of the public gallery joined in, prompting a temporary suspension of proceedings.
Originally used by Māori warriors to intimidate enemies before battle, the Haka involves synchronized body movements, foot-stomping, tongue protrusions (pūkana), and loud chanting.
The protest highlighted deep divisions over the bill, which had sparked widespread opposition across New Zealand. Tens of thousands participated in a nine-day hīkoi (protest march) from the far north to Wellington, culminating in one of the largest demonstrations in support of Māori rights in the country’s history.
Despite passing its first reading, the bill faced significant hurdles. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, while allowing the bill to proceed to its initial vote, labeled it “divisive” and indicated he would not support it further. Ultimately, the bill was overwhelmingly rejected in its second reading, with 112 MPs voting against it and only 11 in favor.
The Haka protest and the bill’s defeat underscore the enduring significance of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s national identity and the ongoing struggle for Māori rights and recognition. As the nation reflects on this pivotal moment, the powerful display of cultural pride and political activism serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and upholding the commitments made nearly two centuries ago.