Parliament was briefly suspended on Thursday after Māori MPs performed a haka to disrupt a vote on a controversial bill that has ignited protests across New Zealand.

The bill proposes to change the way in which the Treaty of Waitangi - a 184-year-old treaty between the British Crown and Māori people - is interpreted.

Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke ripped up a copy of the bill as she stood to lead the haka in parliament. Members from her party, Te Pāti Māori, other parties and some in the public gallery joined in.

Hundreds of people have set off on a nine-day hikoi - a march - in protest over the legislation. They are expected to arrive in the capital, Wellington, on Tuesday for a big rally.

I support the hell outta this.