New Zealand MPs disrupted a parliamentary session by dancing
New Zealand MPs disrupted a parliamentary session by performing the traditional Maori Haka dance.
Thus, Te Pati Maori MPs protested against a controversial bill that could radically reduce the influence of Maori.
It is about the revision of the Treaty of Waitangi, concluded in 1840 between Maori chiefs and the British crown.
After MPs performed the haka dance, parliamentary proceedings were temporarily halted.
And MP Hanu-Raviti Maipi-Clark, who tore up a copy of the bill, was suspended for 24 hours.
The Haka dance, is a ritual dance of the New Zealand Maori people.
They stomp their feet and beat their thighs and breasts while performing it.
It is one of the most famous forms of Maori music familiar to most New Zealanders.