A Hamilton councillor under fire for comments criticising New Zealand's response to the Christchurch terror attacks has posted his apology on Facebook as requested by Muslim leaders.
James Casson, who is also running for mayor, will now meet with Waikato Muslim Association president Dr Asad Mohsin and other Muslim community members on Friday to "apologise face-to-face for any offence caused" because it was not his intention.
Mohsin said Casson had been in touch, but after speaking with a number of people in the community - many of whom had been offended - it had been suggested that he first make the apology on his Facebook page, given that is where he made the other comments.
In the offending Facebook post, the former cop criticised the Government's speedy ban on semi-automatic firearms, the ban on possessing copies of the alleged gunman's manifesto and a widespread bid to avoid use of his name.
"He wanted his time in the light, he wanted a reaction and he has it in spades.