New Zealand’s parliament was briefly halted after the public gallery broke into an unplanned haka performance.

Packer, co-leader of the Māori Party in Aotearoa, or New Zealand, was suspended last year after participating in a haka on the Parliament floor in protest of the Treaty Principles Bill.

The haka, a traditional Maori dance of challenge, has transcended its sacred origins to become a cherished cultural symbol for all New Zealanders. From sporting events to funerals and graduations, its ...

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The haka, a chanting dance of challenge, is sacred to New Zealand’s Māori people but it’s become a beloved cultural institution among New Zealanders of all races.

One of the most widely known haka is "Ka Mate" composed by Ngāti Toa chief Te Rauparaha around 1820. Today, it is frequently performed by New Zealand sports teams and individuals when travelling ...