Māori lawmakers performed a traditional haka dance to protest a New Zealand bill that could redefine the country's relationship with Indigenous people.

Speaker of Parliament Gerry Brownlee condemned the interruption as "grossly disorderly," clearing onlookers from the public gallery and temporarily suspending proceedings.

Parliament was briefly suspended on Thursday after Maori members performed a haka — a traditional ceremonial group dance — to disrupt the vote on a controversial bill.

Indigenous Maori lawmakers disrupted New Zealand's parliament with a stirring "haka" dance, voicing opposition to a race relations bill that has ignited protests across the country. Thousands have joined a "hikoi" protest march travelling the country to drum up opposition,

New Zealand's parliament was suspended after Maori lawmakers performed a haka to interrupt a vote on a controversial bill.

Maori lawmakers staged a dramatic protest in New Zealand’s parliament on Thursday over a controversial bill that seeks to redefine the country’s founding agreement between the indigenous Maori people and the British Crown.

Members of New Zealand's parliament have rallied the international community in support of the island country's indigenous groups, as contentious legislation moves forward that could threaten Maori support systems.

Following Maipi-Clarke ringing haka – a rhythmic Maori chant of challenge, it led to a roar from the opposition lawmakers and the spectators and ultimately her suspension from the parliament for the day.

New Zealand parliament erupts in dramatic political theater over controversial bill redefining Indigenous Maori rights.