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Key says Harawira's comments are offensive

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Key says Harawira's comments are offensive

3News NZ

Prime Minister John Key (file)

Prime Minister John Key (file)

By Alex Tarrant

Prime Minister John Key says Hone Harawira's reference to "little house niggers" is offensive and he should apologise.

The Mana Party leader used Facebook to criticise the Maori Party for not making up its mind about attending next Thursday's national hui on water rights.

Mr Key has said none of his ministers or MPs will be there, but it is up to Maori Party co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples to decide whether they will attend. Both are ministers but they won't be able to go in that capacity.

"Time John Key realised a few home truths like (1) he can tell his little house niggers what to do but (2) the rest of us don't give a s*** for him or his opinions," Mr Harawira said.

"What's the bet Tari and Pete cop so much flak from Maori for saying that they're not going to the hui that they find some reason to change their mind and say they're gonna go."

Mr Harawira later said the comments were not a reference to the Maori Party, but to Maori MPs in the National Party.

Mr Key, who is attending an APEC summit in Vladivostok, says the comments are out of line.

"Frankly I find them offensive about my coalition partners. I think secondly, New Zealanders would find that term offensive," Key says.

"I know it's Hone Harawira being Hone Harawira, but frankly I think he owes them an apology," he says.

Dr Sharples is expected to attend the hui.

NZN

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Comments

11/09/2012 1:56:17 p.m.

Ripeka wrote:

If there's anyone whose offensive it's jon keys.

11/09/2012 10:35:42 a.m.

Boyd wrote:

Great post @Dimit totally agree.

10/09/2012 8:41:27 p.m.

TDog wrote:

Whatever Hone says (with or without colourful wording) the WW (whinging whites) will attack him. Why is that? Perhaps what he says is too close to the truth for comfort

10/09/2012 2:23:08 p.m.

Dimit wrote:

Key is yet again slyly playing "divide & rule" Turning Non Maori against Maori...stirring up racial divide...Doing what this Government is best at;turning New Zealanders against each other & away from the issues (Maori leaders give Key to much material to work with tho? Bad choice of words for Hone too).The Government will let it's propaganda feed racial & socio economic vicious stew simmer until people have forgotten the issues & then come in and reap the rewards

Mean while: Key is off jet setting around the Pacific selling the Pacific out to TPP. The 600 or so capitalist corporations that own 1% of all power and wealth (the people responsible for the global economic crisis).The sovereignty of NZ is been sold, our rights, freedoms, laws, Money,People, land,water,health-care, intellectual property,Small Business's, Jobs & future to TPP. The TPP will have far more devastating consequences to all New Zealand than these asset sales! and most of NZ has no idea that these so called trade agreements are not what they are claimed to be? Five minutes on "Good Morning"; Key will convince NZ that TPP trade deal is good for NZ & our economy? Look at the price We paid for ACTA?

Nationals arrogance with Asset Sales has backfired, It's flagship Policy a mess. We have high inequality, a great deal of poverty & suffering, a suicide rate that is appalling, People leaving NZ at an alarming rate.High unemployment. A level of bigoted hatred brought about by the Governments "Blame & Bash Bennie's campaign" that is just shameful and very Sad.I don't think the Maori Party are squeaky clean here. And J.Key thinks Hone should apologize for venting his frustrations. Are We more concerned about a few non PC words than the Real issues?

9/09/2012 9:02:16 a.m.

alison wrote:

This whole thing is ridiculous. Key incited racial disharmony in the first place and Hone fell into the trap like a fly. Grow up the pair of you and start leading by example instead of embarrassing the whole country. Leaders? I think not.

9/09/2012 2:02:32 a.m.

Gosh wrote:

Btw I notice no correspondence in regards to, or on behalf of iwi, when genuine redress happens. Your overwhelming negativity and criticisms of the current govt, really does point to a racist sentiment, not to mention a bias agenda.

9/09/2012 1:53:10 a.m.

Gosh wrote:

Yeah rito mate, as if the job of prime minister isn’t hard enough. He has to deal with sociopathic sycophants in the process. Quell your bias intent, it will only serve to empower your opponents.

8/09/2012 6:43:15 p.m.

Moera wrote:

J.Key should stop bullsh*****g himself, NZers and Maori. If anyone should step up to the mark and offer an apology...it should be J.Key . KIA KAHA Hone, you may be blunt but 'We' know where we stand with you. You have my full support

8/09/2012 2:35:07 p.m.

Mal wrote:

@Gosh. Ask JK.

8/09/2012 2:17:46 p.m.

David wrote:

@Gosh its not ok for ministers to be opnely racist... however the thinkers on this site realise John Key as usual is being a gigantic hypocrite given his own past statements. Are you merely saying shame on you because you dont want us to think about how hypocritical John Key is being in his statements? When National in all honesty is one of the most racist parties around?.