A video captured the moment an MP led a haka to disrupt the New Zealand parliament. The action was in response to a controversial bill that aims to reinterpret the country’s founding treaty with Māori people, causing anger among the MPs.
Opposition party MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke initiated the traditional ceremonial group dance during a discussion about the bill, which was up for its first vote on Thursday.
Simultaneously, a peaceful protest march organized by a Māori rights group is making its way to the capital, Wellington. Thousands have joined the 10-day march against the bill, which started at the top of New Zealand and reached Auckland on Wednesday.
While New Zealand is known for its indigenous rights advocacy, opponents of the bill fear that it could jeopardize these rights.
The bill, introduced by the political party Act, aims to legally define the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, which has played a significant role in New Zealand’s race relations.
The bill has sparked a debate among politicians, with supporters arguing for a fair interpretation of the treaty through parliament, while critics believe it will divide the country and harm Māori support.
Despite the bill passing its first reading, it faces uncertainty in the second reading, as coalition partners of Act have indicated they will not support it.
The protest march against the bill continues to progress along its 1,000km route, with participants voicing their concerns and hopes for a united and inclusive nation.
Queda una brecha de siete años en la esperanza de vida. El Tratado de Waitangi es un acuerdo entre los británicos y muchas, pero no todas, tribus maoríes, que fue firmado en 1840. Es polémico ya que fue escrito en inglés y maorí, que solo había sido un idioma hablado hasta la colonización, y las dos versiones contienen diferencias fundamentales en cuestiones como la soberanía. Aunque el tratado en sí no está consagrado en la ley, sus principios han sido adoptados con el tiempo en varios cuerpos legislativos. El proyecto de ley será enviado ahora a un comité selecto para un proceso de audiencia pública de seis meses.