New Zealand’s Parliament was temporarily suspended on Thursday as Māori lawmakers performed a haka, a traditional group dance, demonstrating their community’s anger and fear over a bill that aims to reinterpret the country’s founding treaty with its Indigenous people.

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.