Air NZ ads mock MPs' misfortunes

Air New Zealand is making the most of the misfortunes of Maori Party MP Hone Harawira and Act leader Rodney Hide.

The airline is running advertising using them to promote cheap fares.

It features a picture of Mr Hide wearing Mickey Mouse ears with the phrase, "Los Angeles fares with nothing to Hide".

The airline is also promoting "sprung in Paris" specials with picture of Mr Harawira in a red French beret.

Mr Hide has been criticised for taking his girlfriend Louise Crome on an official super city fact-finding mission to Europe which coincided with the wedding of Ms Crome's brother in London.

He has also paid back $10,000 of taxpayer funds for a holiday the pair took in Hawaii.

Mr Harawira is under scrutiny for skipping an official meeting with European parliament officials in Brussels to go sightseeing with his wife Hilda in Paris.

A strongly-worded email he sent to a critic of his actions has been deemed inappropriate by the Maori Party which is considering his future.

- NEWSTALK ZB