There was controversy in Parliament today, following the introduction of ACT's Treaty Principles Bill. 

If adopted, it would set out the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in law and require them to be used when interpreting legislation.

It faced tough questioning from Te Pati Maori, who made several attempts to have it withdrawn. 

Ngati Toa Iwi chief executive Helmut Modlik says he listened in the public gallery for an hour, then couldn't watch any longer. 

"I gave him a direct look... and then turned on my heels and left."

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