A former Speaker of the House is reiterating the importance of the rules of Parliament after a haka disrupted proceedings. 

The House was suspended last night, after a haka broke out in the public gallery, following Te Pati Māori MP Oriini Kaipara's maiden speech. 

Speaker Gerry Brownlee said the agreement was that a haka was not to take place. 

Former speaker Sir Lockwood Smith told Kerre Woodham rules are there for good reason. 

He says there are plenty of opportunities for culture to be expressed, but it has to be done in accordance with the rules and agreements with the Speaker. 

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