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We are all familiar with the Haka as the famous motivational war cry performed by the All Blacks before their games.

But the youngest MP (Member of Parliament) in New Zealand just performed it in the otherwise serious and grave-faced chambers of parliament, giving new power to the traditional dance.

Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, a 21-year-old member of the Māori community, made history as the youngest MP in 170 years and performed the ‘Māori haka’ to honour her indigenous roots while giving her first speech.

Per The Hinduist Times, she pledged her commitment to her constituents, saying, “I will die for you … but I will [also] live for you” in her inaugural address.

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As a display of physical strength intertwined with cultural pride, unity, and resilience, the traditional haka was a customary way to greet visiting tribes, while also serving as a means to energise warriors before battle, according to 100% Pure New Zealand.

In her speech, she also revisited segments of her Te Petihana anniversary speech, resonating once more amidst the new government’s intentions to limit the use of the Treaty and te reo Māori in legislative matters, according to a New Zealand Herald report.

“In only a couple of weeks … this Government has attacked my whole world … Health, taiao [environment], wai [water], whenua [land], natural resources, Māori wards, reo [language], tamariki, and the right of me and you to be in this country under Te Tiriti,” Clarke said.

Her statement reflected personal impact amid policies seemingly directed at her, questioning, “How can I not take anything personally when it feels like these policies were made about me?”

Beyond her commitment to future generations, she conveyed a heartfelt message to her electorate, saying:

“To Hauraki-Waikato, I am at your service in and outside of Parliament. I will die for you in these chambers, but I will live for you outside these four walls.”

Maipi-Clarke does not perceive herself as a conventional politician, rather, she sees her role as a kaitiaki (guardian) for the Māori language, land, and traditional wisdom, as per The Guardian‘s report on her.

 

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As such, she believes it’s time for a new generation of Māori voices to be heard.

[source:hindustantimes]