Shane Jones has somewhat apologised for calling farmers Red Necks.

The self-declared Prince of the Provinces lashed out at hundreds of people protesting at Parliament yesterday, describing their behaviour as vitriolic.

They were voicing fears forestry is taking over pastoral farming.

The New Zealand First MP told The Country's Jamie Mackay things got a bit heated.

"While the general farmers were at home milking the cows, they were down there milking the bull."

Jones says his comment was unintelligent and he does not believe the vast majority of farmers belong to 'Ngati Redneck'.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE

 

• Shane Jones calls hundreds of farmer protesters 'rednecks'
• Kerre McIvor: Shameful behaviour from Shane Jones shouldn't be tolerated