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"There for good reason": Former Speaker reiterates importance of rules after haka disrupted proceedings

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 10 Oct 2025, 11:50am
Te Pati Maori MP Oriini Kaipara performing a haka after her maiden speech in Parliament, Wellington, 09 October, 2025. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Te Pati Maori MP Oriini Kaipara performing a haka after her maiden speech in Parliament, Wellington, 09 October, 2025. Photo / Mark Mitchell

"There for good reason": Former Speaker reiterates importance of rules after haka disrupted proceedings

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 10 Oct 2025, 11:50am

A former Speaker of the House is reiterating the importance of the rules of Parliament after a haka disrupted proceedings. 

The House was suspended last night, after a haka broke out in the public gallery, following Te Pati Māori MP Oriini Kaipara's maiden speech. 

Speaker Gerry Brownlee said the agreement was that a haka was not to take place. 

Former speaker Sir Lockwood Smith told Kerre Woodham rules are there for good reason. 

He says there are plenty of opportunities for culture to be expressed, but it has to be done in accordance with the rules and agreements with the Speaker. 

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