New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon has ruled out NZ First candidate Michael Laws becoming broadcasting minister after a sexist slur aimed at a female political rival emerged in the final days of the election campaign.
Mr Laws, a broadcaster and former National MP, made the comments while appearing on a fringe right-wing online talk show. He criticised the candidate’s clothing, make-up and demeanour before saying: “Must be hell dating people like that, just quietly. Can you imagine what it’s like post-sex? Did I say that out loud? Yes, I did.”
Mr Luxon described the remarks as “stupid” and rejected Mr Laws’ stated ambition to take the broadcasting portfolio. National is seeking a second term in coalition with ACT and NZ First.
The comments prompted condemnation from several parties and led Qiulae Wong, leader of the teal Opportunity party, to rule out working with NZ First unless Mr Laws gave a full apology.
Mr Laws instead said his remarks had been “intended to be mischievously humorous”. He added that NZ First leader Winston Peters had told him off and said: “If people are offended, I apologise.”
National deputy leader Nicola Willis called the comments “disgusting and nasty” and said Mr Laws should “go back to Noah and the ark”. Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the remarks made him unelectable and were a black mark on NZ First.
“This is what New Zealand First actually believes, this is the culture,” Mr Hipkins said.
New Zealand election enters final days
The dispute is the latest NZ First controversy to draw criticism during Mr Luxon’s first term. In July, Mr Peters, who is also foreign minister, was criticised for telling a China-born Greens MP to “go back to your own country … where they lie like a flatfish”.
In April, NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones described migration linked to an India free trade deal as a “butter chicken tsunami”. Mr Luxon criticised both incidents but did not sack the ministers, amid the possibility of NZ First withdrawing its support from the Government.
More than one million New Zealanders have already voted in the closely fought contest, which concludes on November 7. About another million are expected to watch Thursday night’s final debate on TVNZ, where Mr Jones will share a stage with Ms Wong.
Seven parties will make their final pitches in the debate, with National and Labour, as well as the broader right and left blocs, separated by only a small margin in polling.
Two polls released on Wednesday showed Opportunity clearing the five per cent threshold for entering Parliament. The party would most likely hold the balance of power.
