New Zealand’s parliament has imposed unprecedented suspensions on three members of parliament for performing a Maori haka in protest of proposed legislation.
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke received a seven-day suspension, while Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, co-leaders of their political party, were suspended for 21 days each.
Previously, the longest suspension given to a New Zealand politician was three days.
The members, representing Te Pati Maori (the Maori Party), performed the haka, a traditional Maori challenge dance and chant, in November. Their protest opposed a bill, now defeated, that they believed would undermine Indigenous rights.
The demonstration garnered international attention and sparked a lengthy and contentious debate about the appropriate consequences for the politicians and the role of Maori culture in Parliament.
A parliamentary committee recommended the extended suspensions in April, clarifying that the punishment was not for performing the haka itself, but for approaching opposing lawmakers on the floor of the debating chamber while doing so.
Judith Collins, who chaired the committee, described their conduct as egregious, disruptive, and potentially intimidating.
Ms. Maipi-Clarke, 22, challenged that characterization, pointing out other instances where lawmakers have left their seats to approach opponents without facing sanctions.
The suspended legislators argue they are being treated more severely due to their Maori heritage.
“I came into this house to give a voice to the voiceless. Is that the real issue here?” Ms. Maipi-Clarke asked parliament.
“Is that the real intimidation here? Are our voices too loud for this house?”
The haka is increasingly embraced both within and outside of parliament as an integral part of New Zealand culture. While the sacred chant can be a challenge, it is not inherently violent.
As Maori language and culture have become integrated into mainstream New Zealand society, haka are now common in various cultural, solemn, and celebratory contexts. They have also been performed in parliament to mark the passage of significant laws.
Critics of the protest haka cited its timing, as Ms. Maipi-Clarke began the chant as votes were being tallied, briefly suspending parliamentary proceedings. She has reportedly apologized privately to the Speaker of Parliament for the disruption.
