Hilary Barry, Judith Collins respond to All Black Aaron Smith apology

Hilary Barry and Aaron Smith.

Broadcaster Hilary Barry and Government minister Judith Collins have responded to All Black Aaron Smith's tearful apology over his airport sex scandal.

Smith said he'd made a huge mistake and apologised to his partner, her family, his own family, his team and to fans.

Following a clip of the apology on Breakfast this morning, host Barry said nobody wanted to see an All Black cry.

Co-host Jack Tame said everyone could agree the NZRU and the All Blacks had handled the situation well by front-footing it as quickly as possible yesterday.

"By the weekend hopefully it will all be over and everyone can move on," said Barry.

Judith Collins

Collins told the Paul Henry Show the mother in her felt a bit sorry for the world's best halfback.

"He shouldn't have done this. This was not good, but I don't like seeing grown men basically forced into crying on TV so that we can all forgive them."

She said the situation wasn't her business.

Labour MP Phil Twyford said he agreed. Smith had a lapse of judgment, he said.