Three New Zealand MPs from Te Pati Maori faced unprecedented suspensions for performing a haka during a parliamentary vote on the Treaty Principles Bill, drawing global attention. The bill aimed to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, raising fears about undermining Maori rights. Ngarewa-Packer, Waititi, and Maipi-Clarke's actions were deemed intimidating, leading to a privileges committee recommending serious penalties. The incident sparked significant public outcry and protests over Maori rights, underlining the ongoing tensions surrounding Indigenous rights in New Zealand.
We acknowledge the severity of the penalties proposed however, we intend to leave members in no doubt that the behaviour discussed is not acceptable and that the intimidation of other members of the house is treated with utmost seriousness.
The treaty principles bill sought to radically reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, prompting widespread alarm over its potential to wind back decades of progress for Maori people.
Collection
[
|
...
]