Maori Leader Rejects Harawira Apology as "Embarrassing" and issues his own apology

Ngapuhi Leader and senior relative to Hone Harawira, David Rankin, says he is embarrassed by the apology the MP has given.

"Harawira has disgraced our iwi with his gutter language, and has casued more racial division in New Zealand society than any other single person in a generation", says Mr Rankin.

"As an MP, we expect certain standards, and instead, Mr Harawira has dragged down all of Ngapuhi to his level. I, and other kaunatua, are deeply ashamed, especially for the offence it has caused our Pakeha brothers", says Mr. Rankin.

Mr Rankin, as the senior member of Mr. Harawira's hapu, has today formally apologised to Parliament, Ngapuhi, and the people of New Zealand, for his relative's outburst, and will be approaching him in the next few weeks to remind him that his priority as MP is to focus on his work in Parliament and the electorate, and not to be sidetracked by opportunities for personal gain.

ENDS

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