Members of New Zealand’s parliament have come together in a plea to the global community, urging for the safeguarding of the nation’s indigenous Māori populations as a contentious piece of legislation progresses, which could jeopardize Māori support networks.

In a widely circulated video from a parliamentary session, Te Pāti Māori representative Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke — the youngest member of New Zealand’s parliament — rose during the initial vote and commenced a stirring haka. She was soon joined by additional members of the Māori Party and parliament. The haka, a traditional **collective performance** that is deeply embedded in New Zealand’s indigenous heritage, is often perceived as a challenge or demonstration.

And indeed, it was a challenge. The group of lawmakers was opposing a **proposed bill** aimed at reinterpreting the Treaty of Waitangi, a 184-year-old pact between the British Crown and the indigenous Māori population. This treaty has historically been a cornerstone for governance and racial relations in New Zealand, facilitating the growth of Māori rights. However, the proposed bill would constrict the treaty’s definitions and powers, risking the reversal of advancements made in areas like the creation of a Māori health authority and efforts to protect the Māori language.

Significantly, no members of the Māori community were consulted in the bill’s formulation, which could lead to profound implications for the 20 percent of New Zealand’s populace that identifies as Māori.

Amid a **charged discussion** in parliament, Maipi-Clarke dramatically ripped apart a copy of the proposed law, prompting her party to initiate the haka. The demonstration effectively postponed the vote for 30 minutes, although two legislators were expelled from the chamber, and the bill ultimately secured passage in its first reading. The legislation will now face a six-month committee review before a subsequent vote, although analysts express doubts regarding its likelihood of further advancement.

Beyond the parliament, indigenous groups and their supporters have been vocally opposing the bill. A **nine-day peace march**, or hikoi, has commenced from northern New Zealand and is en route to the capital, Wellington. Throughout the journey, participants have organized rallies and protests, including a major gathering scheduled for the capital next week.

Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, 22, previously attracted attention for performing a haka during her inaugural address before the New Zealand parliament, thereby solidifying her position as a prominent advocate for Māori rights.