**Māori Lawmakers Disrupt Parliamentary Vote with Haka to Protest Controversial Bill**

In a move that captivated both lawmakers and spectators, members of New Zealand's Māori party disrupted a parliamentary vote on Thursday with a powerful Haka, expressing their strong opposition to a proposed law that they argue threatens indigenous land and cultural rights.

Leading the protest, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke of the Māori party stood up and performed the traditional ceremonial dance, shredding a copy of the bill mid-Haka. Her performance, which symbolizes pride, strength, and unity, was met with enthusiastic support from about half of the lawmakers present, including those from the Labour and Green parties. Joined by public members in the gallery, the chants reverberated through the chamber, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

The Speaker of the House, Gerry Brownlee, responded with visible frustration, rolling his eyes as the Haka unfolded. Unable to restore order, he eventually suspended the House and ordered the gallery to be cleared. In addition to suspending Maipi-Clarke for one day, Brownlee had earlier expelled veteran Māori lawmaker Willie Jackson for loudly condemning the representative who proposed the bill with cries of "Shame! Shame!"

The controversy centers on the Treaty Principles Bill, which seeks to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, an 1840 agreement that guarantees Māori certain land and cultural rights in return for British governance. Critics argue that the bill would dismantle essential programs, including dedicated land allocations, government seats, healthcare initiatives, and cultural preservation efforts specifically granted to Māori under the treaty.

Together for Te Tiriti, an advocacy group for Māori rights, warned that the bill would allow politicians and corporations to gain greater control over Māori communities. David Seymour, the Māori lawmaker behind the bill, defended it by claiming that current laws give Māori people "different rights from other New Zealanders."

Despite its contentious nature, the Treaty Principles Bill is not expected to pass. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other leaders have supported it in the initial stage as part of a political coalition agreement but have promised it will not advance further.

Earlier in the week, thousands of New Zealanders marched toward Wellington in what is anticipated to be the largest race relations march in the nation's history, firmly opposing the Treaty Principles Bill.