The debate on Te Pāti Māori's proposed punishment has been paused until June - but it's still sparked discussion among some.

Debate was set to begin today on proposed suspensions for the Te Pāti Māori MPs who did a haka during voting on the Treaty Principles Bill - before the Government moved to adjourn it.

Despite this, former co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell has spoken in defence of Te Pāti Māori.

"The bigger kaupapa here is around an ability for Māori to express their views in the Parliament of our land - and allow that to happen on the back of what has happened through history in Parliament."

LISTEN ABOVE

• 'We want this week to be about the Budget': Chris Bishop explains why the Te Pāti Māori debate was postponed
• Jason Walls: What does Speaker Gerry Brownlee think of proposed sanctions on Te Pāti Māori?
• Debate on Te Pāti Māori haka punishment delayed in shock Government move
• 'Maximum penalty': Te Pāti Māori fires back as co-leaders face three-week suspension
• Te Pāti Māori admits social media post ‘mistake’, tells Collins ‘you’ve got us’
• Te Pāti Māori judgment day over House haka to land alongside ‘independent’ hearing