Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke has become New Zealand’s youngest Member of Parliament in 170 years. During her first speech, the 21-year-old MP performed the traditional Maori haka (war cry) as a tribute to her indigenous people, and the video of this moment has been widely shared on social media. Her video has went viral on social media and has grabbed attention of netizens. In the video she can be seen performing Maori haka (war cry).
Watch her Viral Video
The haka is a traditional war cry, and Maipi-Clarke dedicated it to all tamariki Māori, expressing a powerful commitment by stating, “I will die for you… but I will [also] live for you.”
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke
Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke was born in 2002 and is a New Zealand politician, representing Te Pāti Māori as a Member of Parliament since the 2023 New Zealand general election. She is the youngest MP in New Zealand.
What is ‘Maori Haka’?
‘Maori Haka’ was a customary way to greet visiting tribes while also serving as a means to energize warriors before battle. The Māori performance of haka is a source of pride for all citizens of New Zealand. It is performed most famously by the All Blacks and the New Zealand Defence Force.
However, Haka is the Māori word for dance, it is not a dance in the sense you might imagine. Usually performed in a group, it involves chanting and actions, such as stamping, hand movements, and facial gestures.