New Zealand Maori MP dances as she tears a copy of controversial native treat Bill Watch viral video

New Zealand’s youngest MP, Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, made headlines again when she performed the traditional Maori dance against a controversial bill during the House of Representatives proceedings.

The 22-year-old Te Pati Maori MP first attracted attention when she performed a haka during her maiden speech last year.

Parliament’s proceedings were briefly suspended on Thursday after the MP, followed by other lawmakers, organized the protest. A video of the incident shared on social media showed the MP first stating that she was against the bill and then performing the dance while tearing the copy of the bill. She was soon joined by other Maori MPs, prompting Speaker Gerry Brownlee to briefly adjourn the House.

According to Reuters, the proposed bill aims to reinterpret a 184-year-old treaty between indigenous Maori and the British.

Unprecedented and simply beautiful. That time in November 2024, when a haka led by Aotearoa’s youngest MP, 22 years old, Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, broke out in the House of Representatives, preventing the Treaty Principles Act from passing at first reading, prompting the Speaker incited to suspend Parliament. pic.twitter.com/pkI7q7WGlr

— Kelvin Morgan (@kelvin_morganNZ) November 14, 2024

The Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs, setting out how the two sides agreed to govern. The interpretation of the clauses in the document still guides legislation and policy in the country.

Maori rights and privileges have continued to expand over the past decade, which can be attributed to court rulings and a separate Maori tribunal. However, some have argued that it has discriminated against non-indigenous citizens.

The ACT New Zealand party, an ally of the ruling centre-right coalition government, has introduced a bill to enshrine into law a narrower interpretation of the Waitangi Treaty.

The bill was opposed by Te Pati Maori MPs who stood up and began a haka, the traditional Maori dance made famous by the New Zealand rugby team.

The controversial legislation is seen by many Maori and their supporters as undermining the rights of the country’s indigenous people, who make up about 20 percent of New Zealand’s total population of 5.3 million people.