The Prime Minister opened a "frenzy of outrage", according to Fairfax Media, when he opened his speech with a joke that if he "had a meal with the Tuhoe, he would have been on the menu".
This turned out to be something of a controversial error in judgement. Mr Key thought that "the tribe would get the joke". However, Fairfax reports, they were not amused.
Late this afternoon, he apologised - saying that he was "deeply apologetic for any offense caused"
"Ahh, look, it was a light hearted joke, a bit of self-depreciating humour, but if anyone is offended, then I deeply apologise".
Stuff.co.nz added:
Maori MP Te Ururoa Flavell, whose Waiariki electorate includes Tuhoe's tribal area, told Radio NZ the joke was unfortunate and would add to the iwi's wounds.Tuhoe chief negotiator Tamati Kruger said the joke was not funny, in poor taste and unbecoming of a prime minister. Relations with Mr Key were getting worse by the day, he said.
