Parliamentary Chaos
's parliament was temporarily suspended after performed a haka in protest against a bill proposing a narrower interpretation of the of Waitangi, the nation's foundational document signed in 1840.
The bill, introduced by the party, has sparked widespread criticism for allegedly undermining Māori rights, with public demonstrations, including a nine-day march to , organized in opposition.
Political and Public Response
Coalition partners, the National Party and , have expressed conditional support for the bill's first reading but have stated it will not pass into law, indicating a likely failure.
Critics, including opposition lawmakers and legal experts, argue the bill threatens to exacerbate racial divisions and disregards the treaty's principles of partnership and protection, with significant public opposition evident.