New Zealand’s Parliament was briefly suspended on October 9 after members of the public gallery broke into an unsanctioned haka following the maiden speech of new Maori Party MP Oriini Kaipara. Traditionally performed to welcome or energise, the haka erupted despite a planned and approved Maori song already marking her arrival. Speaker Gerry Brownlee intervened, describing the spontaneous performance as “contemptuous” and launching an investigation into prior knowledge. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Maori Party and Parliament over cultural expression, echoing past haka protests. Kaipara’s speech, however, remains a historic moment for the party and its influence in New Zealand politics.
