Māori lawmakers interrupted a New Zealand parliamentary vote with a Haka to protest a law that would erode the land and cultural rights of Indigenous New Zealanders.

Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke of Te Pāti Māori stood and began a rhythmic Māori chant of challenge, which swelled to a roar as opposition lawmakers and spectators in the public gallery joined in.

The New Zealand parliament was suspended on Thursday after Maori MPs performed the haka dance in protest of a bill.