Overview
- People in the public gallery launched a haka after Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara’s first address on Oct. 9, prompting a temporary suspension in Wellington.
- Speaker Gerry Brownlee told participants to stop, saying, “No, not that. The guarantee was that would not be taking place,” then suspended the sitting before later resuming proceedings.
- Parliamentary rules require permission for any singing or haka in the chamber or public gallery.
- Some MPs joined the unsanctioned performance, and an investigation will determine whether any parties or members had prior knowledge, with no disciplinary decisions announced.
- Video of the incident circulated widely online and renewed attention to June suspensions of three Te Pāti Māori MPs for a haka that disrupted a vote on a Treaty bill that ultimately failed.