Key admits bungle over Maori visit to Fiji

Prime Minister John Key was forced yesterday to admit he bungled his handling of Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples' plans to travel to Fiji, saying he could have been "more precise".

Mr Key has forbidden Dr Sharples from taking part in a planned Maori Party-led delegation to Fiji to meet members of the interim Government.

It was an about-turn from his position on Sunday when Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia first let slip that plans were afoot for the delegation.

At first, Mr Key said he would not give Government backing to a delegation but would not prevent anyone going as private individuals, including MPs or the Maori Party co-leaders.

Yesterday, he tried to defend himself over his change of stance - but despite specifically mentioning the leaders on Sunday, would concede only that he had been imprecise. He said he had held the view on Sunday that neither of the two Maori Party ministers would be able to take part "but I wasn't clear enough about that".

His reason for the veto was to ensure the Government was seen to have "one voice" on Fiji, rather than risk sending mixed messages by allowing a minister to travel there in any capacity.

Mr Key's bungling of the incident gave some grist to Labour leader Phil Goff to mock him in Parliament.

He asked Mr Key which positions he stood by. "That he would consider sending troops to Fiji and then he would not, that the Minister of Maori Affairs could go as a private citizen to meet Commodore [Frank] Bainimarama or he could not, or that [Maori MP] Hone Harawira could go if he wanted to?"

Mr Key said he stood by them all, but admitted he "could choose my phrases a little more accurately".

Mr Harawira is now likely to take part in any delegation, although it is not known if one will actually go.

Asked if even Mr Harawira's participation could be seen to undermine New Zealand's position, Mr Key said he would prefer it if the country was seen to speak with "one voice".

He doubted the Maori Party delegation would make any headway with Fiji's military Prime Minister.

Dr Sharples admitted Mr Harawira was not the most diplomatic of MPs, but said the delegation would be led by party president Whatarangi Winiata - "the gentleman of gentlemen" - as well as other high-ranking Maori.

Both Mr Key and Dr Sharples said they did not expect it to damage an otherwise strong relationship.