New Zealand’s Youngest MP Stirs Controversy with Haka Protest in Parliament

New Zealand: Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, the 22-year-old Māori MP, made a dramatic statement in New Zealand’s Parliament during a debate on the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. The youngest MP in nearly two centuries ripped up a copy of the bill and performed the traditional Māori haka dance, prompting others in the chamber and gallery to join her. The protest led to a brief suspension of the session by Speaker Gerry Brownlee.

The Treaty Principles Bill aims to extend the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi’s principles, which promise Māori tribes rights to land and resources, to all New Zealanders. Critics argue it could undermine Māori sovereignty and cause racial division, sparking widespread protests across the country.

Maipi-Clarke, elected in 2023 under Te Pāti Māori, has quickly become a prominent voice in New Zealand politics. She has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s conservative government, which has been accused of undermining Māori rights. Her haka protest not only highlighted her opposition to the bill but also underscored her growing influence as a leader advocating for Māori rights and cultural heritage.

While the bill is unlikely to pass, the debate over its implications for New Zealand’s future continues, with Maipi-Clarke’s actions symbolizing the power of youth and indigenous voices in shaping the country’s political landscape.