November 22 2024
By Chaerin Lee
A video of a New Zealand MP performing the haka while tearing up a copy of the bill has gone viral and drawing worldwide attention now.
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed on February 6, 1840, between Māori leaders and the British Crown, is one of New Zealand’s most important historical documents. It established the country’s sovereignty and protected Māori rights. However, there has been a long debate over the interpretation and application of the treaty.
Recently, the ACT Party proposed a new bill, saying the treaty gives Māori unfair advantages over other groups and creates inequality. However, many people are worried the bill could take away important rights from Māori.
During a debate in Parliament, MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke protested by tearing up the bill and performing the haka, a traditional Māori dance. The haka is an important part of Māori culture. It uses movements and song to express feelings and messages, symbolizing tradition, unity, and pride. In this case, it was used to oppose the bill and highlight its potential impact on Māori rights.
Other MPs joined Maipi-Clarke in the haka, creating a hot topic in New Zealand and around the world. Maifi-Clark, the youngest member of the New Zealand parliament and a Maori native, drew attention by performing the haka in December last year against the oppression of the Maori language.
Outside of Parliament, protests against the bill have continued. About 35,000 people joining demonstrations. Protesters say the bill could weaken protections for Māori, while supporters argue that it’s about making things fairer for everyone in New Zealand.