Harawira threatened over Pakeha remarks

Hone Harawira. File photo / Mark Mitchell

Hone Harawira says he has had death threats over his comment that he didn't want any of his children to date a Pakeha.

In a weekly Northern Age newspaper column Mr Harawira said his remark had thrown up "the regular nasty responses, including some nutters threatening to kill me".

But he said he also got a lot of support and included snippets from people supportive or joking about his stance.

He also said when taking an Air Zealand flight last week he was the butt of jokes.

"When our plane flew through a bad storm and bucked and bounced and rocked and then thumped its way down onto the runway, scaring everyone in the process, this blond-haired blue-eyed fair-skinned Maori guy yells out `Gee Hone you've turned white' and the whole plane load of Pakehas roared with laughter and I laughed right along with them."

He also shared a story about an air hostess before the flight not calling his name on the PA worrying she would say it wrong.

Mr Harawira said he could have complained but; "she said it with a smile, she said it knowing I would laugh along with her - which I promptly did".

Mr Harawira's original remark that he would feel uncomfortable if one of his children dated a Pakeha got a mixed response.

Prime Minister John Key described the view as unfortunate and ridiculous but Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples said the remarks weren't racist and probably mirrored the feelings of many people.

- NZPA