The Treaty Principles Bill was a failed attempt by the right-wing ACT Party to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi in law that would have stripped rights given to Māori at New Zealand’s foundation.

Judith Collins, the attorney-general and committee chair, said it was the toughest punishment it had ever handed out and “the worst incident that we have ever seen”.

The haka, which has gained worldwide admiration as the preceding act to All Blacks rugby Tests, is not banned in parliament but requires permission from the speaker to perform, and must not disrupt proceedings.

“This was a very sad day for parliament,” she said.

Bans ‘grossly unjust’, Māori Party says

The left-wing indigenous rights party said the decision meant it was inappropriate for the government to utilise haka, as often occurs, on international delegations.