Maori Party

Three MPs from the Māori Party and one from Labour have been referred to the Privileges Committee after they interrupted voting on a contentious bill.

The Treaty Principles Bill is aimed at ending perceived ‘race-based’ laws and rights that have fathered Maori-specific institutions and positions.

As protesters march from the top of the North Island and bottom of the South to meet in Wellington, their numbers are growing, causing disruption.

Māori Party President John Tamihere, who heads a web of interlinked organisations is at the centre of the allegations.

The allegations suggest pork barrelling involving the Indigenous vote.

Motorways have been brought to a halt, roads around Parliament closed, and extra police called in as a day of protest marks the delivery of the Budget.

Winston Peters has condemned a speech by a Māori Party MP that claimed the government intended to ‘exterminate Māori.’

‘I’ve seen that sort of philosophy before. I saw it in Nazi Germany. We all did. We’ve seen it elsewhere around the world in the horrors of history.’

The move comes as the current government looks into removing distinct laws and government positions for Indigenous people.