NZ Parliament: Lawmakers Suspended Over Haka Protest
New Zealand’s parliamentary history was made when three lawmakers received the longest suspensions ever issued after a Māori haka protest.The action, staged last November, challenged a controversial bill perceived as undermining indigenous rights, and the fallout continues. Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke received a seven-day suspension, while Te Pāti Māori leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi were barred for 21 days. News Directory 3 follows this escalating story. The parliamentary commitee cited the lawmakers’ approach to opposing members as the reason for discipline, sparking further debate. Despite calls for leniency after hours of debate, the suspensions were approved. Discover what’s next for the suspended lawmakers and the future of indigenous rights.
New Zealand Lawmakers Suspended After Māori Haka Protest
Updated June 5, 2025
Three New Zealand lawmakers are facing record suspensions from Parliament following a Māori haka performed last November. The action,a traditional chanting dance of challenge,was staged to protest a bill concerning indigenous rights. The controversial bill has since been defeated.
Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke received a seven-day suspension. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, leaders of Te Pāti Māori (the Māori Party), were each barred for 21 days. Previously,the longest suspension handed down by the New Zealand Parliament was three days.
The haka drew international attention and sparked debate about the place of Māori culture within New Zealand’s Parliament. A parliamentary committee concluded the lawmakers were disciplined not for the haka itself, but for approaching opposing members during the performance.Maipi-Clarke disputed this, noting othre instances of lawmakers crossing the floor without penalty.
Despite opposition calls for leniency, the suspensions were approved along party lines. Parliament Speaker gerry Brownlee had previously urged lawmakers to find common ground on appropriate repercussions, but no consensus emerged. Government lawmakers ultimately rejected proposals for lighter sanctions after hours of debate.
What’s next
While some opposition members considered prolonging the debate, all parties eventually agreed to end discussions, acknowledging the predetermined outcome and lack of changed minds regarding the role of protest and parliamentary procedure.