No charges for Harawira over helmet

Police are not taking any action against Maori Party MP Hone Harawira for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle on Parliament's forecourt.

The incident happened two months ago when he met a group of anti-violence demonstrators and took a short ride on one of their bikes.

The meeting was filmed by TVNZ.

It was pointed out at the time that he wasn't wearing a helmet, but he laughed it off.

However, three viewers complained to police as the area was open to the public and therefore should be considered a road.

"After careful consideration of all issues, including public interest, the matter will not proceed any further," Wellington City Area Commander Inspector Peter Cowan said today.

Mr Harawira had been told of the outcome.

The helmet complaints came while Mr Harawira was embroiled in a serious row about an unauthorised trip to Paris while on a parliamentary visit to Europe and the racially offensive email he sent in defence of it.

He was allowed to stay in the party but was sent on leave from Parliament until it resumed after the summer recess.

- NZPA