Apology to Hone Harawira

OPINION: On Saturday, November 7, this newspaper printed an editorial headlined "Beyond the pale" which, we now accept, might have created the impression that Hone Harawira, MP, harbours offensive views about New Zealanders, writes The Southland Times in an editorial.

The editorial stated that he regards inconvenient rules as the "puritanical bullsh*t" of "white motherf***ers" who have raped his country. It concluded that he represented a serious liability to the Maori Party.

We accept that these comments were potentially damaging to his status and standing in the minds of right-thinking New Zealanders, and possibly even some of the liberal lefties as well.

The editorial was based on news reports regarding incidents Mr Harawira has since clarified. While he regrets certain maternal references made during the heat of political debate, and accepts some sub-optimal procedural issues resulting from his decision to redirect his attentions from work in Brussels to play in Paris, Mr Harawira continues to assert that he was exercising his right not to be held, inappropriately, to a standard set by this country's European colonisers.

The Southland Times is happy to accept the following:

•  Mr Harawira does, in fact, have some Pakeha ancestry, which we omitted to research and include in our editorial and which, had it been included, could have put his comments in a more informed context and saved him from needing to appear on radio to explain that he does not hate Pakeha; not even Paheka like Phil Goff and those other Labour Party members who should be put up against a wall and shot.
• The editorial comment of November 7 might have created the impression of an unreasonable, unbending disposition by stating that he was "not the sort who would do penance".

We acknowledge that Mr Harawira did subsequently issue an apology. Although this newspaper previously, in February 2005, published a quote from Baroness Orczy that read: "An apology? Bah! Disgusting! Cowardly! Beneath the dignity of any gentleman, however wrong he may be", this should not be taken in any way as intending any aspersion to be cast, subsequently, on Mr Harawira's standing as a gentleman.

The Southland Times further accepts that Mr Harawira's apology now stands as a matter of public record. As do the following observations:

"I can wholeheartedly apologise for not being at all sorry." humourist April Winchell.

"Why should I apologise because God throws in crystal chandeliers, mahogany floors an the best construction in the world?" Jim Bakker, evangelist (subsequently disgraced) on his enjoyment of a well-rewarded life.

"I have failed to live up to the important principle that I have set, that politicians should always remember that they are spending taxpayers' money, and therefore must spend it carefully." Rodney Hide, perkbuster.

"Accept everything about yourself. I mean everything ... You are you and that is the beginning and the end – no apologies, no regrets." Henry Kissinger.

"I believe that to be forgiven, more than sorrow is required; at least two more things. First genuine repentance, a determination to change and to repair breaches of my own making. Second, what my Bible calls a "broken spirit" ... a renunciation of the pride and anger which cloud judgment (and) lead people to excuse and compare and to blame and complain." Bill Clinton (eventually).

"We're honestly so f*****g sorry." Monty Python.

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