Māori Party’s Haka Disrupts Parliament During Maiden Speech

The Māori Party caused a significant disruption in Parliament on March 12, 2024, when new MP Oriini Kaipara delivered her maiden speech. Following her address, a haka was performed, igniting a scene that drew attention from both members within the chamber and the public gallery. This event has raised questions about the effectiveness of parliamentary agreements and the dynamics of political performance.

Kaipara, who took over the position following the passing of Takutai Tarsh Kemp, stepped into the aisle after her speech to participate in a celebratory song. Almost immediately, an individual in the public gallery initiated a haka, which Kaipara and another MP, Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, joined in. This spontaneous display led to a confrontation with Speaker Gerry Brownlee, who attempted to intervene, stating, “Oh no, not that.” Despite his objections, the performance continued, resulting in what can only be described as a chaotic scene.

As tensions rose, Brownlee made an effort to regain control by standing, a gesture that typically signals the House to cease activities. Instead of quieting down, members of the Māori Party ignored his authority, prompting him to suspend the House and leave the chamber. The incident quickly escalated, leading to the cut of the camera feed, which further limited the visibility of the haka.

The implications of this incident extend beyond mere theatrics. Critics might be inclined to assign blame to the Māori Party for their actions. Yet, some commentators suggest that such performances are integral to the party’s identity and strategy. The Māori Party appears to thrive on these moments, using them to challenge established authority and garner attention.

Interestingly, the manner in which the camera coverage was handled during this disruption appears to have been intentional. The decision to maintain focus on Brownlee while the haka played out in the background effectively muted the Māori Party’s ability to leverage the moment for social media engagement. This loss of visibility could diminish the impact of their performance in the public sphere.

While breaking the rules of Parliament is generally viewed as problematic, events like these are not entirely unexpected within the context of New Zealand’s political landscape. The performance by the Māori Party has sparked dialogue about the balance between tradition and performance in governance.

In conclusion, while the disruptions in Parliament may not align with conventional decorum, they reflect a broader trend of political expression in modern governance. The outcome of the day, characterized by a blackout of the performance, may serve as a lesson in managing parliamentary conduct—a reminder that the dynamics of politics are ever-evolving.