Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was kicked out of Parliament this week for not wearing a tie.
Waititi was wearing a Māori necklace in place of a traditional tie. He said this was “Māori business attire”. But Speaker Mallard didn’t believe this fitted the rules around Parliament clothing.
Waititi tried to ask a question during Question Time but was shut down by Mallard.
However, yesterday Mr Mallard made an announcement that ties are not longer required as part of the dress code.
In a letter to Mallard, Waititi said since Green Party MP Ricardo Menéndez March is allowed to wear a bolo tie in Parliament – reflecting his Mexican heritage – Māori MPs should be allowed to wear a hei tiki taonga in place of a tie.
Mallard released an update on the dress code, explaining that as Speaker he is guided by the Standing Orders Committee on this issue.
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