The recent suspensions of Te Pati Māori MPs from Parliament, including a 21-day suspension for Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa- Packer alongside a 7-day suspension for Hana Raawhiti-Maipi-Clarke for doing a challenging haka in parliament in response to the Act Party championing the Treaty Principles Bill.
Previous suspensions were only three days with Sir Robert Muldoon being a recipient of such a suspension. This highlighted that the privileges committee recommendation is an unprecedented punishment.
The severity of the punishment highlights a concerning pattern of actions by the current coalition government that appear to marginalize and undermine Māori, their interests, and future at every opportunity available.
These suspensions, coupled with a series of controversial legislative moves and a perceived lack of accountability for actions by opposing MPs, raise serious questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the Treaty of Waitangi and working collaboratively with Māori.
Te Pāti Māori MP and member of the Privileges Committee Mariameno Kapa-Kingi said in an interview that the process was “grossly unjust, unfair, and unwarranted, resulting in an extreme sanction”.
“This was not about process, this became personal.
Prominent Māori lawyer Annette Sykes has publicly stated that in the whole history of Parliament, any bad conduct done by Parliamentarians has only ever had the maximum suspension of 3 days imposed since Parliament was established.
The suspension now being imposed would mean that a minority party with a tangata whenua focuss may be absent from the house while the Regulatory Standards Bill, the RMA , the amendments to so many other important pieces of legislation, that impact on Te Tiriti and its content; rights and interests of Maori in water and other minerals and other matters can be potentially undermined with out challenge, discourse or debate from the minority groups it intergenerationally effects the most.
Equal treatment principles and harsh punishment needs to be debated, and the fraud against minority groups needs to be recognised, addressing ideologies of superiority by the majority over legitimate minority interests in a country whose founding principles are based on partnership with tangata whenua, protection of tangata whenua rights and the right to participate in this country alongside tangata whenua.
This punishment is so much more than about whether the haka was threatening or not.
When in the history of parliament have they been asked to reframe; rewrite; and deny Te Tiriti which is the constitutional basis of law that underpins making powers for those that particpate in kawanatanga politics.
This also suggests a misuse of privilege committee power
This response by Te Pati Māori was also built off the back of the removal of clause 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act, the removal of Te Aka Whaiora Māori Health Authority, the removal of Māori as tangata whenua from ECE, and the fast-tracking of bills enabling land mining with potential impacts on kiwi populations, all contribute to a narrative of disregard for Māori and community concerns and priorities.
These actions, viewed through a te ao Māori lens, represent a continuation of the historical injustices stemming from the breach of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Māori have consistently had to fight for their rights, using their strength, innovation, adaptability and resilience to protect their interests and cultural heritage.
The double standard in applying parliamentary sanctions is also striking. While Māori MPs face 21 day suspensions for a haka in parliament made famous by the All Blacks rugby team, apparently it’s OK to assault other MPs. Its OK to blatantly lie in parliament about removing equal pay for women, it’s okay to swear in parliament. It’s also OK for Minister David Seymour to drive a vehicle onto Parliament grounds steps, as well as cause unprecedented chaos and division in the country as a result of the Treaty Principles Bill, leading to the largest mass protest in the history of the country.
It also led to 90% of submitters of the bill giving an emphatic NO. 2% abstained, whilst a measly 8% voted in favour.
David Seymour wasted millions in tax payer funds trying to undermine Māori without comparable repercussions.
Whilst this perceived disparity fuels a sense of injustice and marginalization felt across the country, indicators also suggest that Te Pati Māori MPs Rawiri Waititi, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, and Hana Raawhiti Maipi-Clarke like their tupuna before them, stand on the right side of history making sure future generations maintain their voice, and continue to thrive.
Te Pati Māori have done this by continually being a pebble in the shoe of the majority who stand with uncomfortable feet whilst seeking to woo international corporations to the table, by exploiting land, resources and assets, therefore putting profit ahead of the needs of the people.
The coming 21 days will be crucial. The upcoming budget, alongside the Waitangi Tribunal hearings into the Regulatory Standards Bill, will significantly impact the future trajectory of Māori rights and the overall wellbeing of New Zealand. The government’s response to these events will be a critical indicator of its true intentions and commitment to upholding the Treaty of Waitangi.
Where to next for Māori? The fight continues. The suspensions and legislative actions underscore the need for continued vigilance, advocacy, and the unwavering pursuit of self-determination. Māori must continue to utilize all available avenues – political action, legal challenges, and community mobilization – to protect their rights and ensure their voices are heard. The coming weeks and months will be a test of the government’s commitment to genuine partnership and reconciliation, and the resilience of Māori in the face of adversity. The path forward demands a renewed commitment to upholding the principles of the Treaty and ensuring a fair and equitable future for all New Zealanders
