The Prime Minister has rejected criticism that he should have included the anti-apartheid activist John Minto in the New Zealand delegation attending the memorial service for Nelson Mandela.
John Key will lead a delegation to South Africa that will include Labour Party leader David Cunliffe, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Sir Don McKinnon, former Prime Minister Jim Bolger and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples.
Mr Cunliffe has suggested that Mr Minto should have been part of the delegation, but Mr Key said on Monday that the MP never raised the matter with him.
Mr Minto believes that the delegation is weighted too heavily towards those who supported the 1981 Springbok rugby tour.
He says New Zealand's link to Mr Mandela is strong and that is through the activism of the anti-apartheid movement which should be represented in the group.
