Harawira's views on dating widely shared, says Sharples

Hone Harawira with his wife Hilda (left), grandchildren (from left) Kahi Harawira and Fetuao Faavae, and his mother, Titewhai Harawira. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples said Hone Harawira's views about marrying Pakeha reflected what a lot of people thought and that it was about marrying within a culture.

"I don't think it is racist," Dr Sharples said, adding "it is his viewpoint, not ours."

Mr Harawira said in the Weekend Herald that he would feel uncomfortable if his any of his children brought home a Pakeha partner.

He believed a lot of Pakeha New Zealanders had prejudices too but said the difference was that he recognised his.

The Maori Party Te Tai Tokerau MP has not responded to requests to talk about his comments.

But after yesterday's caucus meeting, Dr Sharples said Mr Harawira was entitled to his view about who should marry who.

"I think that deep down it reflects probably how a lot of people think - that marrying someone from your own culture is something that is probably good.

"Really it's about the people themselves, the mokopuna, who they want."

Dr Sharples, whose father was English, said Mr Harawira was entitled to his own view but it was not that of the party.

"I think it's just not divisive at all. It's a viewpoint."

National MP Tau Henare said he wouldn't mind his daughters dating a Pakeha.

"I don't care who my daughters come home with as long as they've got money," he joked.

He called Mr Harawira's comments racist and stupid.

Mr Henare said his mother and grandmother were as "white as driven snow" and he would not have a problem if his children dated a Pakeha person.

"I mean it's the 21st century for goodness sake, the guy needs to pull his head in."

The MP seemed to have a problem with Pakeha people in general.

"I think you can get that he doesn't like the white fellas."

- ADDITIONAL REPORTING: NZPA