Young New Zealand MP Hana Rahiti tears up a copy of the bill in ParliamentImage credit source:
There’s a lot of talk about New Zealand’s youngest MP, Hana-Rhiti Maipe-Clark. Recently, a controversial performance of his was seen in Parliament. Hana, 22, belongs to the Maori tribe. He smashed a copy of the ‘Indigenous Treaty Bill’ in Parliament while performing ‘Haka’, a dance from Maori culture. Her video has also gone viral on social media, in which Hana is seen tearing the copy of the banknote while dancing Haka.
In reality, the reason for the dispute is the principles related to the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840, according to which Maori tribes were promised protection of their lands and rights in exchange for accepting British rule. The current bill sought to apply principles of equality to all citizens, which Māori leaders consider a violation of indigenous rights.
According to local media reports, Hana’s protest was supported by spectators sitting in the Parliament gallery and some other MPs, following which there was a huge uproar in Parliament. Due to this, the Speaker temporarily adjourned the session. Opponents of the bill say it threatens racial discord and constitutional unrest.
Watch the video here, the young New Zealand MP danced Haka
Hana Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, the woman you are 🖤🤍❤️ pic.twitter.com/wtf0pgjUnc
— 🫶🏽🤎 (@wateryonce) November 14, 2024
He then danced the Haka in the first speech.
This is not the first time Hana has made headlines for her Haka dance. Previously, he had been in the news on social media dancing Haka after winning the elections and during his first speech in Parliament.
What is Haka dance?
Haka is not an ordinary dance. This is an ancient war dance, which is performed by the Maori people with all their strength and expression. This dance is a fierce display of the glorious history, strength and unity of the Maori tribe.
