In a surprising turn of events, New Zealand’s parliament faced a temporary disruption when both MPs and members of the public gallery engaged in an unauthorized haka performance. The spirited traditional Maori display of dance and chant erupted following the inaugural speech of Te Pati Maori MP, Oriini Kaipara, on Thursday.
Kaipara, a recent addition to Parliament to fill a vacant seat, concluded her address to the House before she and others initiated the haka, prompting House Speaker Gerry Brownlee to intervene. Despite the planned nature of the performance, it had not received formal authorization as required by parliamentary regulations for haka performances in the public gallery.
Following the interruption, parliament proceedings were briefly halted with Brownlee expressing his intention to investigate any foreknowledge among parties or MPs regarding the performance. He condemned the actions of the gallery as contemptuous but eventually allowed Parliament to resume its business.
This incident is not the first time a haka has captured attention in the political realm. Last year, Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, New Zealand’s youngest MP, made headlines by delivering a protest haka while tearing apart a copy of the Treaty Principles Bill. The bill, aimed at reinterpreting the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s foundational document outlining Maori and non-Maori rights, failed to secure passage into law.
The haka is a powerful and expressive group performance involving rhythmic chanting, vigorous stomping, and intense facial expressions, traditionally performed to mark celebrations or events like welcoming guests or sports occasions.
With Maori constituting approximately 17.4% of New Zealand’s population, totaling 922,800 individuals, according to Stats NZ, the official data agency, disparities persist for many Maori compared to the general populace, particularly in areas such as health and education.