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.

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.

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

New Zealand's Parliament was briefly suspended after Maori lawmakers staged a haka to disrupt the vote on a contentious bill that would reinterpret a 184-year-old treaty.

The New Zealand Parliament was suspended after Maori members staged a haka to disrupt the vote on a contentious bill to reinterpret an 184-year-old treaty between the British and Indigenous Maori. The controversial legislation is seen by many Maori and their supporters as undermining the rights of the country’s Indigenous people,