Dunne: Titewhai Harawira not fit to escort PM again

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne today called on Prime Minister John Key to assure New Zealanders that he would not allow Maori activist Titewhai Harawira to be his escort at next year's Waitangi Day celebrations.

"Mrs Harawira and her supporters' behaviour at the Maori Party's weekend hui was so abusive and disgusting that the Prime Minister should make the call that she is not a fit and proper person to be accorded that kind of honour.

"He does not need to associate the office of the Prime Minister and by extension, all New Zealanders, with someone who behaves in such an abhorrent manner.

"I think a lot of New Zealanders were appalled to see her in that role at this year's Waitangi Day commemorations given her aggressive and abusive history.

"Her behaviour at the weekend should not be further rewarded," Mr Dunne said.

"Apparently Hone Harawira has defended his mother's actions as that of a kuia. I saw only one kuia who befits the dignity of that term and that was Tariana Turia," Mr Dunne said.

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