Wellington, New Zealand (AP) – The Haka, a revered dance of the Maori people, is not just a cultural emblem for New Zealand’s Indigenous population but has become cherished by New Zealanders of all backgrounds. Stunning performances at sports events, funerals, and reunions frequently go viral online.
However, a recent protest at New Zealand’s Parliament ignited a significant rift among lawmakers last November during a three-person assembly about whether it represented peaceful opposition or a destructive threat.
A vote to endorse a historic and extensive ban was unexpectedly put on hold on Tuesday by the Maori MPs’ assembly involved in the protest. The discourse is set to resume in June, when politicians from all parties are prepared to disrupt legislative proceedings until an agreement on the appropriate consequences is reached.
On Tuesday, hundreds of demonstrators opposed to the sanctions gathered to welcome the Haka as it was performed outside the parliamentary doors in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.
What is Haka?
Originally viewed as a war dance, the Haka has evolved in New Zealand to embody celebration, mourning, and rituals. It is a representation of Maori identity and, while sacred, can be performed by people educated in Maori culture, language, and movements.
The emotionally charged Haka made headlines over the past year when it was performed by New Zealand soldiers in Paris honoring those who fell in Ukraine and by athletes from the New Zealand Olympic team. The most recognized Haka is “Ka Mate,” but there are numerous variations frequently executed by the All Blacks Rugby team before matches.
Protesters will play Haka outside of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (David Unwin/Stuff via the AP)
Why was this controversial?
The protest last November marked a notable instance of the Haka being performed in Parliament. Such performances have regularly occurred during the passage of laws significant to Maori interests.
Nonetheless, some legislators criticized the act for two main reasons: the Maori Party’s Te Pati Maori legislators left their seats to perform it in front of the government officials, and it interrupted the voting process on the proposed legislation.
When questioned about the Maori Party’s stance on a bill perceived as undermining Indigenous rights, New Zealand’s youngest MP, Hana Rawhiti Maipi Clark, tore a copy of the bill at age 22 and initiated a Haka, joined by two colleagues.
Proposals attempting to amend the New Zealand Treaty of Waitangi between Maori chiefs and the British crown have not been well received and faced defeat. For six months, committees of lawmakers have been in fierce disagreement over whether punitive measures should be imposed for the protests.
Why is the debate still ongoing?
Typically, lawmakers reach an agreement on penalties for unseemly behavior. However, this incident has divided the committee regarding the actions of its members.
The report suggested that Maipe Clark, noted for her disruptive behavior in the assembly, face a seven-day suspension—the harshest penalty ever imposed on a New Zealand lawmaker, with the previous record being three days.
Council President Jerry Brownlee scheduled a rare, limitless discussion this month to address the severity of the proposed sanctions until consensus can be reached by all parties. However, this was postponed at the government’s request after only a few minutes of debate, allowing Maori MPs to participate until Thursday’s budget was announced.
This delay facilitated a governmental agenda for the budget week, ensuring that government opponents, comprising Maori legislators, would not miss one of Parliament’s most crucial events. Nevertheless, discussions regarding the sanctions will continue.
Opposition leader Chris Hipkins, the sole dissenting voice against the penalties before the cessation of debate, cited previous instances where lawmakers engaged in physical confrontations in Parliament, yet were not penalized, arguing this made the sanctions unjust.
Judith Collins, chair of the committee proposing the sanctions, clarified that the penalties were “not related to the Haka” and stated the actions of the lawmakers were the most outrageous she’d ever witnessed.
What happens next?
Discussions are set to continue on June 5th, which risks further impeding regular government functions. The government reiterated on Tuesday it would not back down from the proposed sanctions, while the opposition is determined to persist in its opposition.
Outside the assembly, activist El Kapa Kingi addressed the assembled crowd, describing the Haka as the “source of fear” for Parliament.
“Even when all Black people participate, it’s a powerful act,” he added.
Source: apnews.com