Prime Minister John Key says he wouldn't have a problem with one of his children dating those of Hone Harawira -- but the Maori Party MP doesn't feel the same way.Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Mr Harawira was asked how he would feel if one of his se
Prime Minister John Key says he wouldn't have a problem with one of his children dating those of Hone Harawira -- but the Maori Party MP doesn't feel the same way.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Mr Harawira was asked how he would feel if one of his seven children came home with a Pakeha partner.
"I wouldn't feel comfortable. Like all Pakehas would be happy with their daughters coming home with a Maori boy? And the answer is they wouldn't," he said.
Mr Key was asked about the view at his Monday afternoon press conference and said it was ridiculous.
"I wouldn't care what ethnicity my kids date as long as they are happy," he said.
"I can't see the logic behind it... We live in a multicultural society where we encourage people to look at others in (light of) the contribution they make and the values that they hold and the things that you want to share in common with them. I don't think that ethnicity is one of those."
Would he be okay with either of his two children dating a Harawira?
"As long as they were happy yep, if Stephie and Max wanted to go and date Hone's kids."
Mr Key said he once met one of Mr Harawira's daughters and thought she was "a really nice girl".
