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A decision on Maori Party MP Hone Harawira's fate has been put off until Tuesday.
But it looks increasingly like that he will return to the fold after the leadership initially indicated they wanted him to leave the party.
A two-day hui at Whangarei to discuss the controversial MP's future role ended on Sunday afternoon with a decision to refer the dispute to the Maori Party caucus meeting in Wellington on Tuesday.
The hui was meant to bring to an end the two week vow of silence imposed on Harawira by his leaders, neither of whom were there, but it does not look like the maverick MP has regained much voice yet.
"I respect the statement of the president that there are further discussions to be held with my caucus colleagues on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to that and I won't be making any further statements until after," says Harawira.
So, unable to reach agreement on either a graceful exit or a backdown by the party, the president, Whatarangi Winiata, and his two deputies have tossed the problem back to the five Maori MPs to sort out among themselves.
Previously Winiata had suggested that Harawira should become an independent MP. However, he said that had been rejected by Harawira's constituents - "Tai Tokerau made it abundantly clear they don't want it."
Harawira's continued silence means no fuller apology for the derogatory language he used in an email.
It's a burning issue that Labour is more than happy to keep fanning.
"If a member of my caucus stood up and used that sort of offensive and insulting and, I believe, racist language against another group they wouldn't be in my caucus," says Labour leader Phil Goff.
Harawira's Te Tai Tokerau electorate have made it clear they do not want him to become an independent MP, but that could be a different story when he meets his parliamentary colleagues on Tuesday in Wellington.
A meeting that will now also have to take into account the latest ONE News Colmar-Brunton poll.
The poll makes uncomfortable reading for the Maori Party and it's troubled MP with 77% saying that Harawira's abusive email to a party supporter was racist (61% of Maori respondents also thought the email racist) and 69% say that he should leave parliament as a consequence.
How do you feel about Hone Harawira's sightseeing trip to Paris and his reaction to the criticism? Share your opinion on our message board below.
How do you feel about Hone Harawira's sightseeing trip to Paris and his reaction to the criticism? Share your opinion on our message board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentGreg Cramond said on 2011-01-28 @ 19:02 NZDT: Report abusive post
Hone was in Kitimat (Canada) for a conference for American Indian Nations, did his usual racist rant and blamed white people for everything wrong and then left after being presented with the indian name of walking eagle... This means 'one so full of sh!t, he can not fly'. Hone, give it up mate, you look like an idiot... It is New Zealand, not Whites and Maoris, Us and Them, people like you incite racism... Let it go... Bro!
Rog said on 2009-12-02 @ 09:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
Harawira should look at the history of his own race before criticising others. They stole land from, raped, murdered and ate their own people when they felt like it. He should read the book "This Horrid Practice" by Paul Moon plus accounts in the National Archives of Maori history.
shiloh said on 2009-11-30 @ 07:52 NZDT: Report abusive post
It looks as though they are waiting for all the racist hype to quiten down, and then keep him on in the party. Mind you... when you think about it, if they kick him out, the Maori party will have to deal with the wrath of Hone's fans. And if they keep him, they have the rest of the country to deal with!! GET RID OF HIM! NZ has no room for racist politicians.
paulmmmm said on 2009-11-29 @ 18:18 NZDT: Report abusive post
Being in New Zealand from Australia to witness Hone's spectacular racist and stupid remarks was fascinating. Do they help even if true? Hone, I wish you and your people all the best. At least the Maoris have a political party - Australian Aboriginies do not.
Zanziabar said on 2009-11-29 @ 18:12 NZDT: Report abusive post
This is completely unacceptable, this is a truly horrendous double-standard applied to this entire political circus. As it has been pointed out before, If a Pakeha MP was to make the same comment about Maori then he would be expelled. Instead, We get a maori party unable to face up to it's responsibilities as a political party. Mark my words, there will be massive public outrage if he isn't expelled from his causcus.