The Race Relations Commissioner says a public perception of different expectations for Maori and Pakeha public figures will form part of his review of the Hone Harawira controversy.
The racially-charged email written by the Maori Party MP prompted 796 complaints.
Among other issues, the review by Joris de Bres will consider what legal action can be taken when a public figure uses racist language.
Mr de Bres says it's up to the public to judge whether the matter has been resolved.
He says MPs and political parties are accountable to their constituents, and there are no other accountability or disciplinary processes.
Mr Harawira on Wednesday delivered a second apology for offensive remarks in the expletive-laden email he sent in response to a query about his sightseeing trip to Paris while on an official trip to Brussels.
