World News: New Zealands youngest Member of Parliament, Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, has once again captured global attention with her bold demonstration in parliament. The 22-year-old Te Pati Maori MP staged a dramatic protest against the controversial Treaty Principles Bill by tearing apart a copy of the legislation and performing a traditional Maori haka during a House session.A Viral Act of DefianceA video of Maipi-Clarkes protest has gone viral, showcasing her ripping the bill and delivering an impassioned haka, a powerful symbol of Maori cultural identity. Her actions prompted members of the public gallery to join in, leading Speaker Gerry Brownlee to suspend the session briefly. The Treaty Principles Bill, introduced by ACT New Zealand, a junior partner in the center-right coalition government, has faced severe backlash from Maori communities.Meanwhile, New Zealands Parliament: pic.twitter.com/ocgP7H62ia— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 14, 2024The Treaty of Waitangi: A Historic Agreement at StakeThe Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs, remains a cornerstone of New Zealands governance. The principles of the Treaty influence legislation and policy to this day. However, the proposed amendments in the bill are viewed by many Maori as a direct threat to their rights and sovereignty.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon criticized the bill, stating, “You do not go negate, with a single stroke of a pen, 184 years of debate and discussion, with a bill that I think is very simplistic.” Coalition partners, including the National Party and New Zealand First, have agreed to support the bill only in its initial reading, with no plans to back it further.Nationwide Protest and Public OutcryAs the bill advanced through its first reading, hundreds of Maori and their allies began a nine-day hikoi, or march, from New Zealands north to Wellington, symbolizing their united opposition. Protesters argue that the proposed changes undermine the historical and cultural foundations of the Treaty, affecting nearly 20% of the nations population. Maipi-Clarkes passionate protest reflects the growing discontent among indigenous communities and highlights the continued importance of preserving the Treatys legacy.
