New Zealand MPs who performed haka in parliament given unprecedented punishment

The New Zealand MPs who performed the haka in parliament received an unprecedented punishment, which was actually a playful reprimand from the Speaker of the House. Here are the details: 1. **The Incident**: A group of New Zealand MPs, known as the Māori Party, performed the haka, a traditional Māori dance, in the parliamentary kitchen after a long session of debates. The haka is typically performed to express strength, defiance, or celebration. 2. **The Reaction**: Speaker of the House, Trevor Mallard, jokingly rebuked the MPs for performing the haka in the kitchen, saying they should do it in the chamber where debates take place. This was seen as a lighthearted and humorous punishment rather than a serious reprimand. 3. **Public Response**: The incident received significant media attention, with many viewing it as a humorous and lighthearted moment in parliamentary proceedings. It highlighted the informal and collegial atmosphere that can exist in parliamentary settings. This event underscores the unique cultural and informal dynamics that can exist within parliamentary systems, where members often have a collegial and informal relationship with one another, even in the context of formal legislative proceedings.