NZ envoy apologises over remarks on Dikshit

NEW DELHI: New Zealand on Thursday found itself on the defensive after India took offense to the ugly remarks made by Paul Henry, a prominent New Zealand TV host, against Delhi chief minister Shiela Dikshit.

Upset about the offensive remark, external affairs minister SM Krishna had directed his ministry to convey India's unhappiness over the conduct of the anchor to New Zealand envoy in India. An outraged Indian government issued a demarche to the New Zealand High Commissioner Ruper Holborow.

On Thursday, Mr Holborow met with secretary (east) in the ministry of external affairs Lata Reddy. The High Commissioner has apologised for the vulgar remarks made by television anchor Paul Henry. He said, "These remarks were culturally insensitive, inappropriate and vulgar."

Earlier this week, Henry gave an offensive twist to Ms Dikshit's name, and made suggestions on how it should be pronounced. He also made derogatory remarks about Indians. The TVNZ channel that posted the controversial clip has received at least four complaints against it. The video was subsequently removed. India earlier condemned the "racist" remarks and said they were "totally unacceptable" and should be "condemned by all right thinking people and nations".

Mr Holborow said: "As New Zealand's high commissioner to India, I would like to convey my deep regret for the hurt these comments have caused. They reflect the views of only one media commentator, who has already been censored for other racist and unacceptable comments, and certainly not the New Zealand government or people."