Intense debate around controversial bill in New Zealand parliament degenerates into insults and haka

Insults thrown back and forth, a bill torn up and opposition members starting to dance a traditional haka. A vote in the New Zealand parliament went completely wrong this week.

Everything revolves around a (controversial) bill introduced by the libertarian Act party, a small majority partner in the New Zealand government. The proposal aims to bring about a radical change in the way the treaty between the Maori, the first inhabitants of New Zealand, and the crown is interpreted.

The vote for the proposal had to be temporarily suspended because there was too much commotion in parliament. Insults were hurled before Maori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke tore up the bill and began the traditional haka dance. She was soon followed by some opposition members and people in the public gallery.

Despite all the commotion, the proposal was adopted at first reading.

By Editor

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