Another warning from Labour for its potential coalition partner Te Pāti Māori. 

MP Takuta Ferris has twice attacked ethnic Labour party volunteers who sign-waved in the Tamaki Makaurau by-election, claiming they were taking a Māori seat away from Māori.  

Party president John Tamihere echoed Ferris' comments yesterday, despite the party previously apologising.  

Chris Hipkins told John MacDonald the party needs to respond – the ball's in their court, and how they respond matters. 

He’s also criticising Rawiri Waititi for only answering journalists' questions in te reo Māori yesterday. 

It was the first time the party has fronted since Ferris doubled down on his comments, and Waititi refused to answer media questions in English, but later spoke English in the House.   

The Labour Leader told MacDonald any minister in a government he leads would be expected to answer questions so all New Zealanders could understand. 

He says if Waititi wants to communicate with Kiwis —including Māori who don't speak te reo— using both languages would be a better way of doing that.  

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