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Writer's pictureAnna Mae Yu Lamentillo

Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke: A voice of defiance and hope


The first time I encountered the haka was during the One Young World Indigenous Youth Day in Montreal, Canada. I joined 100 indigenous youth leaders from around the globe to share stories of resilience and culture.


Among them was Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, a rising New Zealand politician, who performed the haka with unmatched passion. That moment was unforgettable, but its impact was just the beginning. Soon, her defiance and determination would make global headlines.


Today, the haka echoes far beyond its cultural roots, amplified by Hana-Rāwhiti’s bold protest against the Indigenous Treaty Bill – a proposed reinterpretation of the nearly 200-year-old Treaty of Waitangi.


Many view the bill as a threat to Māori sovereignty and autonomy. For Hana-Rāwhiti, a member of Te Pāti Māori and one of New Zealand’s youngest MPs, this fight is personal. She didn’t just vote against the bill; she tore up a copy of it and performed the haka during a parliamentary session – a striking act of resistance rooted in Māori tradition.


This protest led to her suspension from parliament for 24 hours but also drew global attention. Critics labeled her actions as disruptive, but supporters saw them as a courageous stand against the marginalization of Indigenous voices. Her actions highlight how tradition can serve as both a symbol of cultural pride and a powerful tool for justice.


The Treaty of Waitangi


Hana-Rāwhiti’s protest must be understood within the historical context of the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs. It promised to protect Māori land and autonomy while establishing British governance.


However, discrepancies between the English and Māori texts, coupled with repeated violations, have fueled a history of tension and mistrust.


For many Māori, the Indigenous Treaty Bill represents yet another broken promise. Hana-Rāwhiti’s protest is not just about one piece of legislation—it’s about protecting the spirit of the treaty and resisting further erosion of Māori sovereignty.


A leader beyond her years


At just 21, Hana-Rāwhiti is a rising force for Indigenous rights and youth empowerment. Her journey into politics stems from a lifelong commitment to her culture and people. She represents a new generation of Māori leaders who are unapologetic about their heritage and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Her leadership embodies the resilience of a people who have endured colonization yet refuse to be silenced.


Beyond protest, Hana-Rāwhiti envisions a future where systemic inequalities in health, education, and housing – disproportionately affecting Māori communities – are addressed. She champions policies rooted in Indigenous values, emphasizing the interconnectedness of people and the environment.


Global resonance


Hana-Rāwhiti’s haka in parliament resonates globally, echoing the struggles of Indigenous communities from Standing Rock to First Nations movements. Her actions remind us that the fight for justice transcends borders. By bringing tradition into contemporary activism, she bridges the past and present, using culture as a means of resistance and advocacy.

Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke is more than a politician – she is a symbol of hope for Māori youth and the broader Indigenous struggle for recognition and respect. Her actions force the world to confront uncomfortable truths about history and justice.


As her voice grows louder, it brings us closer to a future where Indigenous rights are no longer debated but universally upheld.

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