A Massey University researcher misled people by claiming his research showed Pacific Islanders are becoming an underclass, says Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres.
Mr de Bres says a review indicates the paper had no original research as reported and failed to support the claims made by Greg Clydesdale.
But Dr Clydesdale says the review is unbalanced and he intends to lay a complaint with the ombudsman.
Mr de Bres says The Dominion Post newspaper published an article based on the report and an interview with Dr Clydesdale, which led readers to believe more information was available.
The review says academics have a responsibility to maintain high standards and media groups must be accurate and balanced.
