Paul Henry talks his way into trouble

Paul Henry (left) and Delhi's Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit. Photos / Supplied, AP

Paul Henry is back in the gun after calling an Indian politician Dix-Shit.

TVNZ is investigating four complaints after its controversial Breakfast frontman repeatedly mispronounced the name of Delhi's Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit. Newsreader Peter Williams interjected, saying her name was pronounced "Dixit". But Henry was undeterred and continued, with rollicking laughter.

New Zealand Indian Central Association president Paul Singh Bains said it was a cheap shot. "It wasn't in good taste, making that kind of comment," he said. "Sometimes he makes lighthearted comments but when you do it at the expense of other nations it's not so respectful. The media should be cautious when making cheap shots."

Bains said TVNZ should accept a mistake was made.

Henry didn't return calls to the Herald on Sunday. TVNZ spokeswoman Andi Brotherston also wouldn't comment, saying the network's internal professional standards committee would investigate.

The incident came in the same week as Indians in Delhi burned an effigy of New Zealander Mike Hooper, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Hooper had criticised Indian authorities over the condition of facilities at the Games.

Singh Bains' group was also considering laying a complaint against Henry.