A contrite National Party Minister, Alfred Ngaro, has fronted media for the first time following controversial comments he made against NGO's at a regional party conference earlier this month.

He's confirmed he didn't offer to resign over the matter, and said the Prime Minister didn't request it of him.

"No, I was apologising to the Prime Minister. I apologised to Cabinet and I apologise to those that were affected by my words."

But that's being regarded as inadequate by Labour Leader Andrew Little.

"That's an apology for being caught. That's not an apology in a recognition of what he's done is wrong."