ACT Leader David Seymour Criticizes Maipi-Clarke’s Haka as Treaty Hīkoi Arrives in Parliament

As the Te Pāti Māori MP was suspended for 24 hours and “named” for leading the haka during the first reading of the bill, ACT leader David Seymour spoke out on the controversial action. The event marks the eve of a major hīkoi against his controversial Treaty Principles Bill as it converges on Wellington.

The Te Pāti Māori MP was suspended for 24 hours and “named” for leading the haka during the first reading of the bill.

Seymour told reporters the haka “was designed to get in other people’s faces”, to stop the people who represent New Zealanders from having their say, particularly because those doing it left their seats. The action was a serious matter, and if a haka was allowed one time, it left the door open for other disruptions in Parliament at other times.

Labour’s vote against the decision to suspend Maipi-Clarke from the House was an indication it thought such behaviour was appropriate.

People should be held accountable for their actions, Seymour added. Asked by reporters if Seymour should speak to the hīkoi, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said his voice had already been heard, and described Māori feeling “a sense of betrayal”.

The bill should never have come into the House, she said.

A ferry carrying protesters from the South Island is now on its way across the Cook Strait as final preparations are made in the capital for Tuesday’s gathering at the Beehive.

In Wellington, commuters are being warned to allow extra time for travel, and add one or even two hours to their trips to work on Tuesday even as extra buses and train carriages are put on.

Understanding The Controversy

The haka performed by Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill has sparked controversy in Parliament. The action was seen as a disruption to the legislative process, and some have questioned whether it was an appropriate way to express dissent. However, others argue that the haka is a fundamental part of Māori culture and should be respected.

Why Hīkoi Matters

The Treaty Principles Bill is a highly contentious piece of legislation that has been criticized by many in the Māori community. The bill seeks to establish a framework for Māori land claims and other issues related to Treaty of Waitangi settlements. However, some have argued that it does not adequately address the needs and concerns of Māori people.

The hīkoi, which is a traditional Māori gathering to discuss important issues, brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including iwi, hapū, and individuals. It provides an opportunity for Māori people to come together and express their views on the bill and other related issues.

How The ACT Party Stance Will Affect the Bill

The ACT Party’s stance on the Treaty Principles Bill is clear: it opposes the bill. David Seymour has stated that the bill is not in line with New Zealand values, and he believes that it will lead to unintended consequences for Māori communities.

However, Labour and other parties have expressed support for the bill, arguing that it is necessary to address long-standing grievances and provide a framework for Māori land claims. The debate around the bill is likely to be intense, with many different perspectives and opinions on the table.

The Role of Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Te Pāti Māori co-leader, has been vocal about her opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill. She has stated that the bill does not adequately address the needs and concerns of Māori people, and she believes that it will lead to further marginalization and exclusion.

Ngarewa-Packer’s comments have been widely reported in the media, and they have added fuel to the debate around the bill. Her opposition to the bill is seen by many as a reflection of the concerns and frustrations felt by Māori people towards the government.

Preparing for the Hīkoi

The hīkoi is expected to bring together thousands of protesters from across New Zealand. The event will provide an opportunity for Māori people to come together and express their views on the bill and other related issues.

In preparation for the hīkoi, commuters are being warned to allow extra time for travel, and add one or even two hours to their trips to work on Tuesday. Extra buses and train carriages will be put on to accommodate the expected influx of protesters.

The Impact of the Hāka

The haka performed by Maipi-Clarke has sparked a range of reactions in Parliament. Some have seen it as an appropriate way to express dissent, while others have criticized it as disruptive and confrontational.

However, Seymour’s criticism of the haka has added fuel to the debate around the bill. His comments have been seen by many as a reflection of his party’s stance on the issue, and they have highlighted the deep divisions between Labour and the ACT Party over the bill.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Maipi-Clarke’s haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill is just one aspect of the wider debate around the bill. The event has sparked a range of reactions in Parliament, and it has highlighted the deep divisions between different parties and stakeholders on this issue.