In photos: The moment 'appallingly disrespectful’ haka interrupts Treaty bill vote

Thursday, 14 November 2024

Helmut Modlik chief executive of Porirua-based Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, speaks after being among ejected from the public gallery,

The public and MPs were momentarily ejected from the House by the Speaker after Te Pāti Maori broke into a haka shortly before the Treaty Principles Bill passed its first reading.

The Speaker, Gerry Brownlee, said Hana- Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke’s haka - accompanied by her ripping up a copy of the bill - was 'misconduct', 'appallingly disrespectful conduct', given it was 'pre-meditated' to disrupt a sitting of Parliament.

ACT, National and NZ First said she should be suspended - which Brownlee did.

ACT leader David Seymour also asked for action against Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi.

Brownlee refused.

Meanwhile, the Treaty Principles Bill has passed its first reading, 68-54, and will go before a select committee.