Graham Kelly, New Zealand's High Commissioner to Canada

Kelly, a former labour MP who "regrets" the remarks, believes that diplomatic staff disgruntled by his political appointment leaked the controversial comments to embarrass him.

When Kelly was appointed to the Ottawa Post, the New Zealand Foreign Service Association passed a resolution condemning the appointment. At a speech on fisheries quotas to a Canadian senate committee, Kelly talked about the Maoris killing and eating each other, Asians strip mining beaches of shellfish in New Zealand and that "greenies" were difficult to deal with during consultation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark described the comments made in Canada by Kelly as "unfortunate".

"I think he got himself into a position where he thought he was being funny and over-relaxed and forgot that he was the New Zealand high commissioner," said Clark.

"Frankly the remarks he made are unfortunate but he has made profuse apologies," Clark said, adding Kelly "goes over the line" with his stereo-typing.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has complained to the Human Rights Commission in New Zealand over the comments, while some Asian groups have voiced their outrage as well on no uncertain terms.

However, Kelly has got some support from an unlikely source-the New Zealand First Party, ultra right wing and anti-Asian immigration as well.

Winston Peters, the party leader said the fact was that Maori had previously practised cannibalism and there were problems with Asians stripping the foreshore.

"What is required by leaders is to face up to the facts and fix things up instead of tut-tutting in high places."