Indigenous Maori MPs pledged allegiance to “King Skin Rash” during the opening of New Zealand's parliament on Tuesday, in an apparent snub to Britain’s monarch.

Three MPs from the Te Pāti Māori party ditched the official Maori name for King Charles III, “Kīngi Tiāre,” for “Kīngi harehare” as they were sworn in following October 14’s election.

The lawmakers argued “hare” was just another name for Charles, however using the word twice means “skin rash” or “sore”, among other skin conditions as well as something “offensive” or “objectionable”, according to the Māori Dictionary website.

Charles is New Zealand’s head of state and all MPs are required to swear allegiance to him in English or Maori.

#newzealand #mp #parliament

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