Harawira's sightseeing trip not in Speaker's travel guide

Hone Harawira. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Parliament's Speaker has indicated Maori Party MP Hone Harawira will not be let off lightly for his decision to go daytripping in Paris instead of attending an official meeting, saying he would expect some of the taxpayers' money to be repaid in such cases.

Speaker Lockwood Smith did not comment directly on Mr Harawira's actions in missing a meeting with European Parliament MPs in Brussels to go sightseeing in Paris with his wife.

But Dr Smith released a statement about MPs on official travel, saying he would expect some costs to be repaid if an MP took an unscheduled day off and missed official events.

The Office of the Clerk is investigating Mr Harawira's trip and he could be asked to repay some money.

Labour deputy leader Annette King criticised Mr Harawira's actions, saying they showed why the public was wondering about MPs' perks.

Mr Harawira was unrepentant, saying he was glad he had done it and did not believe he should have to repay any costs.

Prime Minister John Key has not commented on Mr Harawira's actions and the Maori Party co-leaders did not respond to requests for a comment.

Mr Harawira said he notified the chairwoman of the meeting before going to Paris, had discussed the issues of the meeting with her the night before and had since had follow-up contact with other European Parliament MPs.