Viral Video: MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke’s Haka Sparks Heated Debate in New Zealand
Background of the Incident
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, New Zealand’s youngest Member of Parliament (MP), has once again made waves with a bold protest in the New Zealand Parliament. The 22-year-old MP, representing Te Pati Māori, performed a traditional Māori haka and tore up the controversial Treaty Principles Bill during a parliamentary session, sparking intense debate nationwide.
A Dramatic Moment in Parliament
On Thursday, Maipi-Clarke disrupted proceedings by ripping apart a copy of the Treaty Principles Bill and performing the haka dance, a traditional Māori war cry. The protest was joined by spectators in the public gallery, prompting Speaker Gerry Brownlee to suspend the session briefly and clear the gallery.
The incident quickly went viral, with the video circulating widely on social media platforms like X, further amplifying discussions about the bill’s implications on Māori rights.
The Controversial Treaty Principles Bill
The Treaty Principles Bill, introduced by the ACT New Zealand party, aims to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi with a more restricted approach. Signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, the treaty has been a foundational document for New Zealand’s relationship with its Indigenous people. Critics, including many Māori leaders, argue that the bill undermines Māori rights and diminishes the treaty’s significance.
Despite passing its first reading, the bill has faced fierce opposition. Thousands of protesters, including members of the Māori tribe, have started a nine-day march from the north to Wellington, demonstrating against what they perceive as an attack on their rights and heritage.
Mixed Reactions and Growing Tensions
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the bill as “overly simplistic and divisive,” though his party supported it in the initial vote. Māori MP Willie Jackson called the bill “disgraceful,” and fellow Te Pati Māori MP Rawiri Waititi criticized it for creating harm and division.
Maipi-Clarke’s dramatic protest has highlighted the growing tension surrounding race relations in New Zealand. Her actions have drawn both praise and criticism, with some applauding her boldness and others questioning the appropriateness of her methods in parliament.
What’s Next?
As the Treaty Principles Bill advances to further readings and public consultations, protests are expected to intensify. Thousands of demonstrators plan to rally in Wellington to voice their opposition to the bill.
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke’s haka protest has become a symbol of resistance for many, furthering discussions about the rights of Indigenous people and the future of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
