Mayor refuses to mourn 'despot'

Wanganui has refused to fly its council flag at half mast to mark the King of Tonga's death because, says Mayor Michael Laws, "We don't honour medieval despots."

Prime Minister Helen Clark has asked all councils to lower their flags to honour King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

But Mr Laws used his Radio Live show to say the Wanganui flag would not be lowered for "a big brown slug".

Wanganui District Council's policy

"We honour people who have contributed to the community or the nation," he told the Herald. "Not someone who has been a despotic beneficiary of the New Zealand tax-payer."

The decision was made by Mr Laws and council chief executive David Warburton in accordance with policy that the flag should be lowered only to honour someone who had contributed to Wanganui, New Zealand, or for an occasion of international importance such as September 11.

Australian motor-racing hero Peter Brock and conservationist Steve Irwin, who both died last week, had had more of an impact on the local community, Mr Laws said.

"We did not lower the flag for them, so why on earth we would for this antediluvian King is beyond me."

Mr Laws was criticised last night for airing his views so soon after the King's death.

John Tamihere, who also co-hosts a Radio Live show, said there was a time and a place for comments.

"There's a large Tongan community here and regardless of what we think about the obvious misuse of power and authority in Tonga, it's about timing and taste. Michael is suffering from flu and sleep deprivation with his new young child, it must be some sort of sickness."

Mitch Harris, director of programming at Radio Live, said there had been a few complaints but he was comfortable with the show.

"Michael is a guy who calls a spade a spade."