MPs are pushing back against the Speaker's ruling on the treatment of a Maori elder in House.

Assistant Speaker Maureen Pugh demanded the Whakatohea kaumatua stop - as he tried to introduce a waiata.

Speaker Gerry Brownlee has supported Pugh - but Labour leader Chris Hipkins says a karakia's often given before waiata - and he's never seen a Speaker interrupt.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the controversy here today. 

LISTEN ABOVE