A young New Zealand parliamentarian tore a copy of the controversial Indigenous Treaty Principles Bill on the floor of the house and then performed the traditional Maori war dance, the haka.

Members of New Zealand's parliament have rallied the international community in support of the island country's indigenous groups, as contentious legislation moves forward that could threaten Maori support systems.

Speaker of Parliament Gerry Brownlee condemned the interruption as "grossly disorderly," clearing onlookers from the public gallery and temporarily suspending proceedings.