Maori MPs disrupted New Zealand's parliament with a haka to protest a controversial bill reinterpreting the 1840 treaty.

New Zealand parliament has descended into chaotic scenes after Maori MPs staged a haka to disrupt a controversial Indigenous rights bill.

Opposition lawmakers performed the haka during a reading of a bill that would redefine the country’s founding treaty with its Indigenous people.

A vote over a contentious treaty bill saw New Zealand MPs interrupt parliamentary proceedings with a spirited haka.

A vote over a contentious treaty bill saw New Zealand MPs interrupt parliamentary proceedings with a spirited haka.

Voting temporarily suspended amid disruptions including a Māori party MP ripping up a copy of the bill

Voting temporarily suspended amid disruptions including a Māori party MP ripping up a copy of the bill

Tempers flared in New Zealand’s parliament during an extraordinary debate on the Treaty Principles Bill.

Tempers flared in New Zealand’s parliament during an extraordinary debate on the Treaty Principles Bill.

Tempers flared in New Zealand’s parliament during an extraordinary debate on the Treaty Principles Bill.