Maipi-Clarke, who made history as New Zealand’s youngest MP, captured widespread attention by performing the haka during her maiden parliamentary speech following her election in 2023.

The Treaty of Waitangi, which is the focus of the proposed bill, dates back to 1840 and is considered New Zealand's founding document. The agreement was signed by Māori chiefs and the British monarchy and focused on rectifying wrongs done to the indigenous people when the country was colonized.