Parliament was temporarily suspended on Thursday after Māori MPs performed a haka to disrupt a vote on a bill that has sparked protests across New Zealand.
The bill proposes to change the way the Treaty of Waitangi – a 184-year-old agreement between the British Crown and the Māori people – is interpreted.
Proponents of the bill say the country is divided along racial lines, while opponents say the bill will weaken Maori rights.
Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke tore up a copy of the bill as she stood to lead the haka in parliament. Members of his group, Te Pāti Māori, other groups and others in the public gallery joined in.
Hundreds of people started a nine-day hikoi – march – protesting the law. They are expected to arrive in the capital, Wellington, on Tuesday with a big meeting.
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