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Māori Haka in New Zealand's  Parliament Sparks Conversations | Winter Estrada

In the original settlement of the British in New Zealand, there became a need to address land distribution and jurisdiction between the British settlers and the indigenous Māori. To confront such issues, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Māori chiefs. The treaty outlined the relationship between the British and Māori relating to governance, and has remained as a landmark agreement that guides many of New Zealand’s acts and legislations today. 

Fast forward 183 years after the treaty’s signing, a staged haka puts a New Zealand parliament meeting on hold.  

“Haka”, the Māori word for dance, is a long held tradition of the Māori people. Usually performed in a group, chanting is accompanied by movements including facial and hand gestures. Though movements and meaning may vary depending on iwi (tribe), the haka originates from Māori legend involving the sun god, Tama-nui-te-ra, goddess of summer, Hine-Raumati, and their son, Tane-roneeach. The haka is most commonly performed  at important occasions like weddings to funerals, and celebrates the triumph of life over death.

In this case, the Māori custom is used as a parliamentary interruption led by member of parliament (MP) Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke of Te Pāti Māori, the Māori political party of New Zealand that advocates for Māori rights. Maipi-Clarke proceeds to rip the bill during the traditional dance as other MPs and some of the public gallery  continue the haka’s chant throughout the meeting room.

 

Maipi-Clarke ripping the bill as she starts the Haka | Courtesy of X

Their disruption was prompted by the first reading of The Treaty Principles Bill, a flagship policy created by David Seymour, leader of the Association of Consumers and Taxpayers (ACT) New Zealand. To the ACT, principles currently established by the New Zealand government have misinterpreted the original intentions of the Treaty of Waitangi, specifically the principles leading to a creation of a separate government system for Māori with different privileges and political/legal rights in comparison to non-Māori.

According to Seymour in the Guardian, the bill is meant to apply the treaty’s principles, such as legal and political rights, to all New Zealanders, including those who aren’t Māori.

“[The bill] provides an opportunity for parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” Seymour said.

A vast majority and parties such as Te Pāti Māori believe the bill infringes on the rights presented by the Treaty of Waitangi. Specifically, it is seen to be  undermining the rights presented to the indigenous people by the treaty’s previous interpretations. With Seymour’s bill, his “equality” is seen to be a mask ultimately putting Māori at a disadvantage.

In further protest of this bill and other policies against the indigenous people, hundreds have set off on a hikoi, a nine-day march, with staged rallies along the way. This march is set to end in a big rally  on Nov. 19th at New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, where thousands more are expected to join.  

Due to the bill being part of a political ACT’s coalition agreement with National, a New Zealand political party, the bill has made it past its first reading. However, National and New Zealand First, a third coalition partner, have opted out of supporting the bill beyond this. Given the severance of this support as well as its wide opposition, it is unlikely for Seymour’s bill to become law.

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