Hundreds of protesters performed a haka outside New Zealand’s parliament in Wellington on Tuesday, showing support for Māori Party MPs facing record suspensions.
The haka, a powerful Māori dance of challenge, is widely respected across New Zealand and often performed at sports events, graduations and funerals. While once seen as a war dance, it is now embraced as a proud symbol of national identity.
Last November, three Māori Party MPs performed a haka in the debating chamber to protest a bill they said would undermine Indigenous rights. The move disrupted proceedings and has since led to calls for their suspension, up to 21 days, the longest in the country’s parliamentary history.
A vote on the sanctions was delayed on Tuesday and will resume on 5 June, with political parties still divided over the punishment.
