Party leaders duck Harawira questions

Hone Harawira. Photo / Richard Robinson

The Maori Party had little to say when confronted by the media yesterday over controversial MP Hone Harawira.

Mr Harawira has been under increasing pressure since his "white motherf***ers" email was made public.

The party's co-leaders refused yesterday to front for the media, instead sending party whip Te Ururoa Flavell into the lions' den.

Mr Flavell said his party was in "a delicate state of discussions".

Co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples would make a joint statement "soon".

"I've been asked on behalf of our leadership and our party to tell all media that we've entered into a process to wait for two weeks' interval [of] time to allow all of us to take some stock and we'll be making a statement after that, no doubt. We've given Tai Tokerau and indeed Hone, and ourselves, some breathing space."

Mr Harawira, in his Northland Age column yesterday, admitted the email had caused a lot of political damage to himself and let down his party.

"I recognise there needs to be some serious bridge building on my part with my caucus colleagues, and I will be doing so over the next weeks."

Mr Harawira said he did not intend leaving his party, despite the party and others suggesting he should. His leaders have asked him to take time off.

Prime Minister John Key said if Mr Harawira left the party and became independent, it would have no impact on the National Government as it had brought the Maori Party on board as part of a willing partnership rather than out of necessity.

Political damage done by Mr Harawira's comments was minimal because the Maori Party had made it clear it didn't support them.

"I think they're doing their best in very difficult circumstances," Mr Key said.

- NZPA