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Tariana Turia speaks to the media - Source: ONE News -
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Maori Party leaders have for the first time condemned Hone Harawira's expletive-laden email but they are refusing to take action against him and are instead leaving the MP's fate in the hands of the whole party.
Pressure has been mounting on the Maori Party leaders to speak out after Harawira's side-trip to Paris and offensive email to Maori Party supporter Buddy Mikaere.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia told ONE News political reporter Jessica Mutch on Wednesday afternoon that it is still an issue for the whole party.
"This is a decision for the party, for the party to make. It is a serious issue and the party is taking it seriously," says Turia.
She was visibly upset and admitted her distress over Harawira's email.
"Nobody likes to be spoken to in that manner. No-one likes abusive emails, least of all myself so I have found that incredibly distressing," says Turia.
Prime Minister John Key and the Maori Party's leaders have all said the media is giving the issue too much attention but with over 200 official complaints lodged with the Race Relations Commission, it's clear that public interest in the matter remains high.
Key confirmed on Wednesday that he is leaving the matter to the Maori Party to sort out themselves. And the Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres, says they will not be investigating but instead encourage the Maori Party to make an official statement condemning their MP's actions.
The Maori Party says it will decide on Thursday what action, if any, it will take against its Harawira.
