Chemist sorry for jibe about Asians

David Baird has apologised for his comments to Korean MP Melissa Lee. Photo / Greg Bowker

A pharmacist who told National's Korean-born Mt Albert candidate Melissa Lee he wouldn't vote for her because he "didn't think we need Asians in Parliament" has apologised.

"I wish to apologise for the comments I made," David Baird said in a letter to the Herald. "Unfortunately I allowed a few bad personal experiences by individuals to cloud my judgment. I realise that my remarks were out of line and have offended many people."

Mr Baird's earlier statements have resulted in calls for people to boycott the pharmacy, but it was revealed yesterday that he was a locum, working there while the owners were on holiday.

"I'm semi-retired, so when people go on holidays, I do a day or two for them."

Mr Baird had said his reasons for not wanting Asians in Parliament were because "they were difficult people to deal with, they don't spend any money" and "their English is very bad".

Yesterday, the former NZ First voter conceded that "all groups have the right to representation in Parliament as part of the democratic process".

A friend of the pharmacy owners, K. Keys of St Heliers, has told the Herald in a letter how upset they are.

"The owners are distraught not only that their locum has made such a statement, but that he should feel that way," Keys wrote.

Nominations open today ahead of polling on June 13 for the byelection in the Mt Albert electorate, where 24 per cent of the 44,000 electors are Asian and 40 per cent born overseas.