Face of the Day

Government Minister Chris Bishop says he won’t apologise to musician Stan Walker after making disparaging remarks during his performance at the Aotearoa Music Awards.

The National MP was heard saying “what a load of crap” during Walker’s set.

It featured a powerful performance and clear political message with Toitū Te Tiriti banners, and a haka led by a group of rangatahi.

Bishop, who has since admitted to the outburst, says he regrets making the comment publicly but stands by his views.

“I should have kept my views to myself at the time, you know, but we’re living in a democracy,” he said.

“I was frustrated and annoyed by the sort of overt politicking around it. As I’ve said, it’s not about Stan Walker. I actually quite like Stan Walker, actually quite liked his performance.”