Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has apologised for comments she made on television about the party's candidate for the Te Tai Tokerau by-election.
During an interview with TV3, Mrs Turia said Solomon Tipene does not understand politics and this has been a real issue for him.
She has now issued a statement saying she made a mistake and her comments have been misinterpreted. She says she is extremely distressed by the impact her comment has had.
The party's whip, Te Ururoa Flavell, says the intent was never to belittle Solomon Tipene or the party's supporters.
He says, having heard from some in the party who'd got the wrong end of the stick, it was decided that Mrs Turia should make it clear that it was not her intent to undermine Mr Tipene.
Mr Flavell says the focus is now on finishing off the campaign with a victory in the by-election on Saturday.
