Parliament has resumed debate over whether Te Pāti Māori co-leaders should face the harshest disciplinary measures in New Zealand’s parliamentary history following their protest haka during the controversial Treaty Principles Bill vote.
The discussion, paused last month due to the Budget, reignited fierce political clashes on the House floor this afternoon.
ACT MP Nicole McKee insisted the issue was not about cultural expression, but about “arrogance” and disregard for parliamentary process. She slammed Te Pāti Māori for what she called “grandstanding at the expense of this House,” adding that suspending the Treaty even symbolically for 21 days was “stupid” and a betrayal to Māori.
Former Speaker and Labour MP Adrian Rurawhe warned the House that the use of the Privileges Committee for political punishment set a dangerous precedent. He argued the move lacked bipartisan backing and risked transforming the committee into a partisan tool rather than a neutral body of Parliament.
Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke said the party acted in response to the thousands who marched and submitted against the Treaty Principles Bill. She said the protest gave voice to those ignored, and asked why MPs were being punished again after already being suspended.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters condemned the protest as an act of “anarchy” and accused Te Pāti Māori of promoting separatism. He labelled the group “extremists,” mocked Rawiri Waititi’s facial tattoo, for which he later offered a reluctant apology.
The final outcome of the sanctions remains pending as debate continues.
Look at those clowns
Domestic terrorists.
Looks like Vaudeville theatre which is arguably one level above clownery.
Maori party are a corrupt bunch of rich Maori who care none about their people in need…utter embarrassment and I am Maori!
My beloved Maori friends and family through marriage bear no resemblance to these Muppets. They speak for themselves.