Haden's apology not good enough for Maori Party

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Haden's apology not good enough for Maori Party

3News NZ

Pita Sharples

Pita Sharples

By Duncan Garner

The Maori Party has waded into the Andy Haden 'darkies' row by saying the Government it supports should have sacked Haden from his World Cup ambassador's role, and it is disgusted.

The Crusaders are tonight saying Haden's apology yesterday doesn't go far enough in addressing his claims against the franchise that it has race-based selection policies.

Ambassadors usually lead from the front. They talk and they promote, but not today. Haden refused to discuss his apology for the 'darkies' comment - all 3 News got was a "bugger off" from inside.

The Government is keeping Haden on as a Rugby World Cup ambassador, and that has angered the Maori Party.

"Look, I am the Government and it's really hard to talk about my Government, but he should have been asked to step down on this occasion," says co-leader Pita Sharples.

Haden released a written apology yesterday for calling Polynesians 'darkies'. The Government was hoping that would end the matter, but it hasn't.

"The party has expressed sadness and almost disgust that this happened and nothing has been done about it," says Dr Sharples.

Some claim Haden's written apology is insincere. On Friday, he said: "It's unfair to apologise for something that is true."

The Crusaders believe Haden shouldn't have stayed on.

"We're disappointed," says club CEO Hamish Riach.

But another ambassador for the World Cup, ex-All Black John Kirwan, says his mate deserves to stay, and that he is not a racist.

Prime Minister John Key says Haden's apology is enough because when broadcaster Paul Holmes labelled UN head Kofi Annan a 'cheeky darkie', he stayed on.

"Paul Holmes used the same line," says Mr Key.

Labour says that's not good enough.

"The responsibility rests with the Prime Minister," says Phil Goff. "He should have gone."

The Government was hoping the apology would lance this boil. It hasn't and it's turned into an embarrassing sideshow for the Government.

It has a Rugby World Cup ambassador who is meant to promote the game and the tournament, but he's now so controversial, the Government has instructed him to stay indoors and away from the limelight.

3 News

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Comments

27/07/2010 6:42:20 a.m.

Jan.. wrote:

johnmillian, Hone apologized to the country folks infront of TV screen, perhaps you missed his open apology and who knows what the Maori and the National are up against.. I think Haden have already been dismissed, This is the Key Word were all about that 'Andy Haden must go, vanished..

9/07/2010 8:27:14 p.m.

johnmillon wrote:

Dale Herron!You have written the real truth in regards to the Maori party,& Hone that the white people are mother f-----s and got away with it,also other remarks that he has made also let off.One can see why Hone has not gone,it is the number game being played by two parties Maori & the Nats.

2/07/2010 12:24:14 p.m.

Mani wrote:

Haden is correct in his aligation to what he says inrespect this issue, people will say anything,but when it comes to admitting to what is they said and their intention,well thats another story all togehter ,........plus who know better then the player themselve,why don't youses ask + listen to them..............better then listening to these blow.....................................

16/06/2010 8:09:15 a.m.

Derek Williams (South Africa) wrote:

Damn Andy haden should come to South Africa he sure as heck will be welcomed into the sports commision here seeing as he takes on racism in sport,especially that in rugby or specifically Canterbury, with such gusto.Be that as it may and as a Canterbury Crusader from across the BIG Ditch yea he probably incensed that they play so well.........Go `Saders and yes perhaps as a representative of New Zealand Rugby and with the upcoming world cup his words or actions may have detrimental consequences for the beautiful game in general.

9/06/2010 8:53:22 p.m.

Matthew wrote:

I used to laugh at those comments "it's only racist if white's say it" but now there getting quite boring

7/06/2010 8:27:19 a.m.

Jan.. wrote:

Golf said Haden shouldn't been elected, Haden must go, he is already making lots of badluck movements..
HADEN MUST GO...

3/06/2010 10:45:42 a.m.

Jim wrote:

"Haden's apology not good enough for Maori Party"
So what is good enough for this party. However, I agree with Glocks and Lightseed that Mr Haden is just jealous of the well-oiled Canterbury machine (not that I am a Cantab supporter myself)!!!

2/06/2010 5:33:18 p.m.

dale herron wrote:

You got to have a laugh about the maori party getting involved. Hone Harawera can say what he likes with out getting fired!! Hypocrite

2/06/2010 3:59:49 a.m.

Jan.. wrote:

Look here guys this is rugby, we want to win the World Rugby Cup and want no pressure from the non Rugby fans, so get rid off the badluck fruit, Haden must go..

1/06/2010 11:42:56 p.m.

Lightseed wrote:

ah glocks, you know the theory, if you can't beat our team then make up lies and act like children about our team. The facts of the make up of the team show Andy and people like hello are talking out of their butts.