"Can you imagine our MPs?" A ritual dance in the New Zealand parliament blew up the web. Video

During a meeting in the New Zealand parliament, MPs staged a ritual haka war dance to protest against the vote on a controversial bill. Members of the Maori indigenous people of New Zealand tried to prevent the adoption of a decision that would rethink the 184-year-old treaty between the British and the indigenous population.

The extraordinary behavior in the parliament "blew up" the network and Ukrainians even compared the Maori members to some MPs. Ukrainians shared their impressions on Facebook.

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the British crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs, sets the rules for both sides. It is worth noting that the provisions of this document still determine the legislation and policy of today. Decisions by the courts and a separate Maori tribunal have gradually expanded Maori rights and privileges over the decades. However, some argue that this has discriminated against non-indigenous citizens.

ACT New Zealand, a junior partner in the ruling center-right coalition, introduced a bill last week that would enshrine in law a narrower interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi. As parliamentarians gathered for a preliminary vote on the bill, Maori MPs stood up and began dancing the haka, a traditional Maori dance made famous by the New Zealand rugby team. The parliamentary session was briefly suspended as people in the gallery joined in, and the shouts drowned out the rest of the audience.

Ukrainians reacted on social media to the dancing in parliament and imagined how our MPs would have behaved in such a case. Opinions were divided, with some calling the behavior "wild." At the same time, others praised the Maori reaction, emphasizing that the indigenous population has the right to set aside their interests and traditions.

Nga Wai Hono i Te Po Paki, the only daughter and youngest child of former Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, received the crown from her father. She became the second female ruler in the eight dynasties of the Kingitanga (King) movement in New Zealand. The proclamation of the Queen was celebrated with an emotional ceremony attended by thousands of people.

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