APOLOGIES

Two official apologies were released in relation to the incident. They are reprinted here in full:

We sincerely apologise for our choice of float. It was never our intention to offend anyone. We got it wrong, we were naive. We are really disappointed in ourselves. We are a voluntary organisation that is involved in many projects that help people make our community better. We have learnt a big lesson from this and we sincerely apologise for our choice of float. It was never our intention to offend anyone. We got this wrong — we were naive. We have learnt a big lesson from this and will be more aware of these sorts of things going forward. Once again, our sincerest apology. We would be happy to meet with the iwi to discuss protocol.

From the Hawera Mt View Lions Club.

On behalf of the Lions Clubs of New Zealand Multiple District Council we are very sorry that a Lions club’s actions in putting together a town parade float have caused offence.

We have discussed this matter with the club president and we are assured that no offence was intended and that the club sincerely apologises for its naive and unthinking actions. Lions strive to serve all of our communities and we do not condone any behaviours which causes such offence.

Arvind Raman, council chairman, Lions Club New Zealand and Lynette Stewart, district governor, Taranaki / Manawatu