The video by New Zealand’s youngest MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke performing the traditional Maori dance, is reportedly the most ever watched Haka video, with almost 225 million views in just two days.
The last time she performed the Haka in Parliament was when she took her oath as an MP back in January 2024.
In the recent video that broke the internet, the 22-year-old was captured leading the traditional dance while tearing up the copy of the controversial Treaty Principles Bill.
Hana’s performance was met with various reactions, with many applauding her for fighting for her people while others described it as unprofessional.
The Haka which is performed through vigorous bodily movements through the display of facial expressions, swaying and the slapping of the chest and thighs, is used as a traditional way to welcome visiting ethnic groups and by warriors headed into battle to show unity and strength.
Other Maori MPs joined her to disrupt the vote on the Bill which has received backlash from activists who are calling on government to honour the promises it made to native groups, when the country was colonized.
The 180-year-old Treaty of Waitangi signed by the British colonial ruler and hundreds of indigenous Chiefs, guides the relationship between government and Maori tribes, where they were guaranteed rights to retain their lands and assured the protection of their interests amongst others.
The demonstration of the Haka performance led to the temporary suspension of Parliament proceedings.
The Bill will now be handed over to a public submission process for another vote.
Meanwhile, thousands of protestors are reportedly expected to make way to the country’s capital city, Wellington, on Tuesday for what is predicted to be one of the biggest race marches in the history of New Zealand.
