Key Tuhoe cannibalism joke sparks global media reaction

It would appear that international media are having a field day with John Key's quip about Tuhoe's cannibalistic past. According to the New Zealand Herald:

CNN, the Guardian, the United States' National Public Radio, Vanity Fair, the London Evening Standard, the Sydney Morning Herald and multiple international news wires have all picked up on the story, each adding a bit of their own humour.

Speaking at a tourism event in Auckland yesterday, Mr Key made a joke that "I would have been dinner" if he had dined with Tuhoe, after a dispute emerged this week over Treaty negotiations.

The remark has been criticised as badly timed and insensitive by Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell.

What's more, it is becoming evident that the controversy may continue for some time yet.

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Key stirs up controversy with Tuhoe tribe cannibalism joke

Prime Minister John Key has apologised due to a controversy over a cannibalism based joke he made at a tourism industry trade conference.

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.

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