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Prime Minister Helen Clark has warned politicians against commenting on Australia's domestic affairs, especially in the run-up to its election scheduled to be held this year.
And Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia has indicated he had concerns about the Australian Government's plans for Northern Territory Aboriginal communities but was putting them aside.
"I struggle with what John Howard has done," Mr Horomia said yesterday ahead of a Labour caucus at Premier House
"But, at the end of the day, I think that is their business and we have enough business here to do."
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer will visit next month as guest speaker at the National Party conference and will be expected to tip-toe around any domestic issues here.
The issue of interference in domestic affairs was raised after Maori Party MP Hone Harawira described the Australian Prime Minister as a "racist bastard" over his plan to exert control over Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.
John Howard has described the plan, a response to a report outlining widespread sexual abuse, domestic violence and substance abuse, as a "national emergency".
Helen Clark said Mr Howard had been a good friend to New Zealand and cautioned local politicians against feeling too close to events in Australia.
"I think it is important for us to take a step back before commenting on matters in the country closest to us," she said.
"We get so much news of what is happening in Australia and it is easy for people to just slip into commenting as though it was our own domestic political scene but it isn't. I think Australians need to address those issues for themselves.
"It's a regrettable comment given the great friendship our country has had with John Howard."
Mr Harawira made his comments on Maori Television's Native Affairs show on Sunday and they have received coverage in Australia.
Yesterday, he said he still believed what he had said but had received a "telling-off" at the Maori Party caucus for breaching its convention of not attacking the person.
He had apologised to the party "but I certainly won't be apologising to John Howard".
Party co-leader Pita Sharples said the party apologised for any personal offence but he concurred with the view that the policy was racist.
He dismissed suggestions the comments were interference in others' domestic affairs, arguing that the Maori Party had an interest in indigenous issues wherever they arose.
"We are what we are. We stand for the rights of our people here in Aotearoa but also other indigenous rights throughout the world when it is applicable."
Dr Sharples issued a three-page statement on the Howard plan of action.
"The more one looks into this situation, the less it seems to be about community development and wellbeing, and more it seems to be about political agendas," he said.
It is highly unlikely Helen Clark supports the Australian Government's style of intervention in the Northern Territory but she would not be drawn on it yesterday.
"I'm not getting into the area of commenting on Australian domestic politics. Australia is in the run-up to a general election campaign and I don't intend to be part of it."
National deputy leader Bill English would not talk about Mr Downer's visit and what he might speak about, saying that arrangements were still being made.
Helen Clark said through a spokeswoman she was aware of Mr Downer's visit but would make no other comment on the matter.
additional reporting by Paula Oliver
