Watch New Zealand MPs perform haka in Parliament!

In a daring act of protest, Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, New Zealand's youngest Member of Parliament, along with fellow Maori MPs, ripped up copies of the Indigenous Treaty Bill. This bold move took place in the Parliament and has sparked widespread conversation, gaining significant traction on social media.

The Indigenous Treaty Bill, introduced by the ACT New Zealand party, seeks reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, a historic agreement from 1840 between the British and the indigenous Maori population. This treaty promised the Maori people extensive rights, including the ability to retain their lands and safeguard their interests, in return for acknowledging British governance. The bill's proponents argue it aims to extend these rights to all citizens of New Zealand.

However, the bill has been met with staunch opposition, especially from the Maori community, which makes up about 20% of New Zealand's 5.3 million people. They see it as a potential threat to their rights and have raised concerns about racial equality and the constitutional implications of the bill. These tensions have led to protests across the nation, highlighting the deep divisions and the strong feelings the legislation has evoked.

Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, at just 22 years old, has quickly become a prominent figure in these protests. Last year, she made headlines with her inaugural speech in Parliament, delivered entirely in the Maori language and accompanied by traditional gestures. This speech captivated her audience and marked her as a passionate advocate for her culture and heritage.

The incident where Maipi-Clarke and other Maori MPs stood up during a parliamentary session to perform the haka, a traditional Maori war dance symbolizing strength and determination, before tearing up the bill, was a powerful demonstration of their opposition. It underscores the depth of feeling against the proposed legislation and the lengths to which they are prepared to go to defend their rights.

Critics of the bill argue that it poses a significant threat to the constitutional landscape of New Zealand, potentially undermining the principles of racial equality. This sentiment is echoed in the widespread protests that have emerged, demonstrating the contentious nature of the bill and its implications for New Zealand society.

In summary, the actions of Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke and her colleagues represent a significant moment in New Zealand's political landscape. Their protest against the Indigenous Treaty Bill highlights the ongoing debates about the rights of indigenous peoples, the importance of historical treaties, and the future direction of the nation's governance.