Maori Party Mp Hone Harawira's "offensive" email did not breach the Human Rights Act, the Race Relations Commissioner says.
Mr Harawira lashed out at white people over criticism that he bunked off a work trip to visit Paris, accusing "white motherf...ers" of "puritanical bullshit" for expecting him to follow the rules in an email exchange.
Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres said he believed the email Mr Harawira sent was "offensive", but did not breach the Human Rights Act because it was a freedom of speech.
More than 20 complaints about the email had been made to the commission, but he would not take any action against Mr Harawira, Mr de Bres told Radio New Zealand.
However, Mr Harawira may not escaped unpunished.
He is meeting with his party's leadership tonight, who yesterday said were "on the verge" of taking disciplinary action against him.
Mr Harawira had apologised to his party for any harm he caused it and his expletive filled language, but not for his actions or the sentiments he expressed.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia had expressed concerns that his unscheduled side trip to Paris during a taxpayer-funded work trip last month would damage the party's reputation.
Maori Party president Whatarangi Winiata said after a teleconference with the party yesterday, he was concerned about his behaviour in Europe and the expletive-ridden email that followed.
Mr Harawira skipped a meeting in Brussels so he and his wife, Hilda, could spend a day in Paris. He paid for the extra travel himself.
After this, former Waitangi Tribunal director Buddy Mikaere, emailed Mr Harawira a two-sentence message: "Gotta ask the question eh? Who's paying for Hilda?"
Mr Harawira wrote back starting his email; "Gee Buddy, do you believe that white man bullshit, too, do you?
"White motherf...ers have been raping our lands and ripping us off for centuries and all of a sudden you want me to play along with their puritanical bullshit."
Mr Harawira then went on to say how much time and energy he put into fighting for Maori and what a big role his wife played in that.
"And, quite frankly, I don't give a shit what you or anyone else thinks about it. OK?"
Mr Harawira has been unrepentant about his actions, saying he missed nothing by skipping the meeting as he had already met those attending the meeting and discussed issues with them.
He did not think he should have to pay back any money and was glad he had undertaken the side trip.
