Harawira's fate likely to be known today

Hone Harawira will probably get off with a suspension of at least four weeks, an apology and a travel ban. Photo / Richard Robinson

Hone Harawira's fate is expected to be revealed this morning following a late night meeting with his caucus colleagues and Maori Party leadership at Parliament last night.

Despite an initially strong stance by the party's leadership, Mr Harawira is likely to get off with a suspension of at least four weeks and an apology for his actions. He is also likely to face a ban on further official international travel as punishment for his trip to Paris, for which he also has to repay about $1000 following a request from the Speaker.

Decisions over the punishment to be exacted on Mr Harawira were handed over to caucus after a lengthy process of meetings with his elders in Te Taitokerau and a wrap-up hui on Saturday in Whangarei.

The MPs met until late last night but party whip Te Ururoa Flavell said no statement would be made on the final decision until this morning.

Party president Whatarangi Winiata had asked Mr Harawira to leave the party and become an independent following an offensive email he wrote, referring to Pakeha as "white mother*******."

The email was prompted by a query from former Waitangi Tribunal director Buddy Mikaere about a day trip Mr Harawira took to Paris instead of staying with an official delegation in Brussels.

The party's leadership has weakened its stance since it first asked him to leave the party and become an independent MP. The co-leaders initially made it apparent he was no longer welcome in the party, citing their difficulty in controlling him and claiming he believed he was accountable only to his own electorate, rather than to the party.

Mr Harawira rejected the idea he become independent, acknowledging bridge building was needed, but saying remaining together was the best way to make gains for Maori.

Dr Pita Sharples said last week he would not be ejected from the party although a suspension period and apology to New Zealanders was likely.

Labour leader Phil Goff has criticised Mr Harawira strongly for his racially loaded comments, saying anybody who had made such comments in Labour's caucus would be ejected.

A TV One Colmar Brunton poll on Sunday night found 77 per cent believed Mr Harawira's comments were racist while only 16 per cent did not; 69 per cent believed he should no longer stay in Parliament.