Race relations conciliator Gregory Fortuin says he could have handled differently an incident over his attire at the exclusive Wellington Club.
Mr Fortuin, a South African who was appointed race relations conciliator in April, arrived at the club in an ethnic-designed jacket.
But staff told him he would be given a jacket and tie to put on before entering.
"I dress based on an ethnic choice," he told a parliamentary committee yesterday.
He was appearing before the committee to discuss funding for the Race Relations Office and the Wellington Club incident was raised lightheartedly.
"The issue for me last Friday was more the way it was handled, when I was publicly told off in a public arena," he said.
"I would have preferred that the person who invited me was quietly told and I was taken somewhere and told what the options were."
Mr Fortuin and the colleague he was to meet went to another restaurant for lunch rather than having to change.
"Maybe I should have handled it differently, maybe I should have just quietly gone and maybe I should have said 'that's their right'," he said. "I have apologised to the club for any embarrassment caused but that doesn't alter my view on diversity."
- NZPA
Race relations conciliator sorry for jacket clash at club
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.