NZ Parliament Issues Historic Suspension Over Māori MPs' Haka

Published MAY 15

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The Spin

These MPs desecrated parliamentary sanctity with their unauthorized Haka—weaponizing a cultural tradition to intimidate fellow lawmakers during a democratic vote. Their theatrical disruption, complete with threatening gestures, mocked parliamentary decorum and brazenly obstructed the legislative process, earning them justified suspensions for violating the sacred principles of orderly governance.

The Stanford Review The Straits Times

In an unconscionable display of colonial power, Te Pāti Māori MPs face unprecedented suspensions for their sacred Haka—a legitimate cultural expression against legislation threatening their ancestral treaty rights. While a Labour MP escaped punishment for identical actions, Indigenous representatives are severely penalized for defending their heritage within democracy's supposed sanctuary.

The Spinoff BBC News

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 99% chance Australia will hold a Federal Referendum on an "Indigenous Voice to Parliament" before Jan. 1, 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.