Sinlung /
07 October 2010

NZ Apologises Over Racist Remarks on Shiela Dikshit

New Delhi, Oct 7 : New Zealand has officially apologised for the racial remarks on Shiela Dikshit by a popular television host.

In a statement, High Commissioner Rupert 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.

"As high commissioner, I always look forward to celebrating the warm and positive links between our two countries and there is never a case for making remarks of this nature which are hurtful," he said.

"New Zealand highly values its relationship with India and we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, tolerant and inclusive society."

Shiela Dikshit

Earlier, reacting to the remarks sharply, the Ministry of External Affairs had summoned the High Commissioner of New Zealand Rupert Holborow to register the incident.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna had termed the slur as ‘completely unacceptable’. He had directed the ministry to ask the High Commissioner to look into the matter.

Television anchor Paul Henry, who hosts a popular morning show, had mispronounced Shiela’s name. He deliberately twisted her name in the show.

He also made offensive remarks on Indians.

Meanwhile, Henry had earlier made a racial remark against against Indian-origin Governor-General of New Zealand Sir Anand Satyanand for which he was already suspended

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