Hooper no longer least liked Kiwi in Delhi

A week ago Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Michael Hooper was the New Zealander least liked in Delhi, now he's being asked his opinion on his replacement -- TVNZ broadcaster Paul Henry.
Mr Hooper had effigies of himself burnt in the streets of New Delhi and was branded a racist, after reports in India quoted him as having said Delhi's ``population hazard'' hampered the organisation of the Games.
Protesters yelled ``Leave Michael Hooper, go back, go back!'', as they burned his image.
Heat was added to the effigy burning when it was said Mr Hooper was living a lavish lifestyle in Delhi, with a stipend and servants paid for by the Indian taxpayer through the organising committee.
Now, Henry is the New Zealander hitting the Delhi headlines, with every major newspaper today mentioning on the front page his comments about the city's Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
Mr Hooper and federation president Mike Fennell were today questioned about Henry at the Commonwealth Games press conference they hold daily.
Usually blunt, Mr Hooper chose his words carefully, but it was apparent he felt remarks Henry made about Ms Dikshit and Delhi were offensive.
``I think unfortunate comments that are made, such as the one from the reporter are being addressed appropriately by his employer,'' he said.
``I don't think New Zealand's reputation has been damaged in any way, this is an individual who has made certain comments and that will be looked into by his employer.
``New Zealand is a great country and I am proud of it, and I would welcome all Indians to come and see it one day.''
Henry's remarks escalated into a diplomatic tiff that yesterday saw New Zealand High Commissioner Rupert Holborow in Delhi summoned by the Indian Government, then issue an apology.
Mr Fennell told the press conference he was unaware of the furore spilling over into the Games, or affecting New Zealand athletes.
``There is no indication of that, whatsoever.''
India told Mr Holborow it was annoyed at comments made by Henry about Ms Dikshit, whose name he mocked.
Mr Holborow was handed a demarche, a formal protest.
The Hindustan Times reported that senior external affairs ministry official Vijaya Latha Reddy last week ``consciously'' stayed away from a lunch in honour of Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand in reaction to Henry's comments.
Sir Anand has himself been the victim of Henry's barbs, who asked if he was ``even a New Zealander'' and whether the next governor-general would ``look and sound like a New Zealander''.
Sir Anand is in Delhi for the Games, and addressed the New Zealand team on the eve of the opening ceremony.