"It's not about ties, it's about cultural identity, mate."
A Māori lawmaker was told to leave a session of the New Zealand Parliament for wearing a traditional necklace instead of a tie...
A Māori lawmaker was told to leave a session of the New Zealand Parliament for wearing a traditional necklace instead of a tie...
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00:00Kia ora tātou, I just got kicked out of the house, I got kicked out of the house because I wasn't wearing business attire as according to the Speaker.
00:08But as we know as Māori our business attire, hei tiki, I'm wearing a suit and a jacket and I think it's appropriate to be able to represent our people in the attire that I'm there with.
00:16So ensuring that we have our cultural presence and that our mana o te hake is felt and asserted in this place in Parliament.
00:30Mr Speaker, I've indicated to the member that I will not call him when he is not properly dressed. The member will resume his seat.
00:47You have allowed other cultures to wear what's right for them. Why are you denying Māori culture, their attire and his hei tiki?
01:00Supplementary question.
01:25Point of order.
01:27No, the member cannot take a point of order. The member cannot take a point of order. I do not recognise the member. He will now leave the chamber.
01:57I've noted that one member in particular has, notwithstanding the ruling that has been circulated, two members decided to enter the House without a tie.
02:16This matter was the subject of consultation with members. My own personal view has been expressed widely that I think ties are outdated, but that was not the view of the overwhelming majority of members.
02:33A point of order.
02:38In an email you sent to the members of this House, you did advise that business attire, and what I am wearing is Māori business attire and a Māori tie, I stand here before you today in that manner.
02:54The second part of your email also talked about a 2017 review of standing orders supporting members dressing in formal wear of the cultures they identify with. So that's why I stand here with this standing order at this particular time.