A Mike Hosking error on television programme Seven Sharp last night has led to the Maori Party calling for the broadcaster to be dropped as the host of three election debates on TVNZ.
Maori Party co-leaders Te Ururoa Flavell and Marama Fox are questioning Hosking's ability after he said people on the general roll can't give their party vote to the Maori Party.
"He is just plain incompetent - pure and simple. How can Mr Hosking host a debate on the election when he clearly has no idea on an issue around the party vote? The Maori Party has been a registered political party since July 2004," Fox said.
"You can vote 'party vote Māori Party' whether you are on the general or Maori roll and anyone and everyone can give their party vote to the Maori Party."
"The information Mr Hosking gave out last night was misleading and irresponsible. He should do his homework," says Ms Fox.
"It's important to give the public the correct information, keep the voters informed and having a person who is so ill-informed hosting the debates is amateur."
Flavell says the show's producers have agreed to highlight the mistake and a correction will be aired tonight.
"But frankly the damage has been done. You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube," Flavell says.
