Video: Part of Ms Prime's speech during in te reo Māori during the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill third reading.

Video: Part of Ms Prime's speech during in te reo Māori during the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill third reading. Credit: Parliament TV

Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime has defended her right to speak te reo Māori in Parliament after a member of the public asked her to stop.

Ms Prime, a list MP based in Northland and first elected in 2017, shared a screenshot of a message she was sent from a person whose name has been redacted.

Under the subject line 'What did you say?' the person says they were watching Parliament's proceedings on Sky TV, which does not provide on the spot translation.

"Like nearly all people living in New Zealand, I don't speak Maori," they said.

"Is it your intention to provide the opportunity for us to refill our teacups or visit the toilet while you speak? If not, you might like to join your peers and say it in English."