Politics

MPs approve haka legislation

19:48 pm on 17 April 2014

Parliament has passed Treaty of Waitangi legislation that lays down conditions for the use of the Ka Mate haka performed by the All Blacks.

The bill was one of three being passed as the House sits under extended hours.

The Ngati Toa Rangatira Claims Settlement Bill and the Haka Ka Mate Attribution Bill were passed together.

The latter bill stipulates that Te Rauparaha must be identified as the composer of the haka, whenever it is published commercially, communicated to the public or appears in a public film screening.

Maori Affairs Minister, Pita Sharples told Parliament the Ka Mate haka is New Zealand's most powerful icon.

Dr Sharples said that from today onwards the Crown recognises Ka Mate as a taonga and an integral part of the history, culture and identity of Ngati Toa rangitira.

The All Blacks perform the Haka meeting Australia in a Bledisloe Cup match in Dunedin last October. Photo: AFP (file)

The House sat in extended hours on Thursday and also passed the Ngati Apa ki te Ra To, Ngati Kuia and Rangitane o Wairau Claims Settlement Bill. Each tribe receives a Crown apology and about $25 million financial redress.

The House also passed the Ngati Koata, Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama ki Te Tau Ihu and Te Atiawa o Te Waka-a-Maui Claims Settlement Bill. They each receive about $12 million, an apology and the return of culturally significant sites.