New Zealand's parliament has reversed a decision to eject a Maori politician from the debating chamber Wednesday after he refused to wear a tie.
Maori Party joint leader Rawiri Waititi was allowed to speak a day after he was asked to leave for not wearing proper attire.
Waititi said the accessory was nothing more than a "colonial noose" and he was wearing legitimate Maori business attire, which included a traditional pendant that replaced his tie.
"This is not about ties, it's about cultural identity," Waititi said during his exit from the chamber.
Maori - about 15% of the population - have been fighting for better representation for years. Maori have faced significant economic and social obstacles and most have lower incomes, education and social support.
Waititi said in an interview the tie issue was yet another example of how race relations needed to be improved.
"This is a breach of the rights of Indigenous peoples, we (must) have the freedom to express our cultural identity in a space like this," Waititi said.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had no objections to Waititi's refusal to wear a tie. She said the argument shouldn't distract people from concentrating on "more important issues."
House speaker Trevor Mallard changed his tone after leading the enforcement of the legislative body's strict dress code.
Mallard allowed Waititi - who still didn't wear a tie - to speak and ask questions. Mallard later said the parliament was considering changes to its rules.
Waititi was elected as a member of parliament last year. During his maiden speech, Waititi openly discussed the persecution of his ancestors and how he was fighting for his people's rights and for their voices to be heard.
