Viral Haka dance: New Zealand MPs face suspension, internet reacts

Remember the Haka dance performed by Māori MPs that went wildly viral a few months ago? Well, there's a new twist to the story — and it’s got social media buzzing all over again.

In November, during a vote on the Treaty Principles Bill , three New Zealand MPs performed haka in the parliament. The MPs were Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke. They all belong to the Te Pāti Māori (the Māori Party).

During the performance, Maipi-Clarke ripped up a copy of the bill.

What is Haka?
Haka is that intense, goosebump-raising dance where people stomp, shout, slap their chests, and make fierce faces. It’s one of the most powerful cultural displays in the world, and it comes straight from the heart of Māori tradition in New Zealand.

Originally performed by Māori warriors before battle, it was meant to fire up the troops, and show strength and unity. Today, it’s used for everything from rugby matches and political protests to weddings, funerals, and school ceremonies. It’s all about expressing emotion — whether that’s pride, grief, solidarity, or resistance.

Significance of Haka
The Haka dance is far more than just a fierce performance it’s a deeply rooted cultural expression of the Māori people of New Zealand. Traditionally, the Haka was performed by warriors before going into battle as a display of strength, unity, and determination. It served to intimidate opponents while also firing up the warriors’ own spirit and morale.

But its significance goes beyond warfare. The Haka is performed during celebrations, funerals, protests, and important ceremonies. It’s a way to express emotion — whether it’s pride, grief, defiance, or solidarity. Each movement and chant carries historical and cultural meaning, connecting those performing it with their ancestors and community.

At its core, the Haka is about storytelling, respect, and unity. It’s a living tradition that continues to evolve, reflecting the resilience and mana (spiritual strength) of the Māori people.

Most of the world knows the Haka thanks to New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks. Before every match, they perform it with raw energy and passion, giving fans chills (and sometimes their opponents too). But beyond the stadium, the Haka has taken on new life — especially as Māori communities use it to reclaim space, speak out on political issues, and assert their identity.

Why are the MPs suspended?
"The haka could have "initimidated" other lawmakers, the committee ruled, recommending that she be suspended for a week and Te Pāti Māori (Māori Party) co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer be banned for 21 days," the BBC reported. Their proposed suspensions will be put to a vote on Tuesday.

"They have every right to perform the Haka dance. Their land. Their culture. If anyone objects you from saying our religious slogans inside the parliament, would you keep quiet?," writes one X user.

"Her fellow MPs look uncomfortable and distressed . Such dance performance can be a cultural thing for Moaris but to perform it in parliament to intimidate and make other fellow MPs uncomfortable is an attention seeking trick when she has no value addition to make," another user wrote highlighting the need of etiquette in Parliament.

"Understandable. Parliament is not a place for such performances," writes another user. "Good! She did it the third time I guess. The purpose of Haka is intimidation.. she can't keep doing that in name of culture," wrote another.