Political opponents of the Mana Movement, and its allies, are calling on leader Hone Harawira to denounce the burning of an Israeli flag during a protest over Gaza at the weekend, Radio New Zealand reports.
Photos have been posted online of Mana supporters brandishing party banners, while a United States and an Israeli flag were burned.
Harawira says he understands why Mana supporters were part of the crowd when the flag was burned, saying they're passionate about drawing attention to the ongoing violence against the people in Gaza.
“I'm proud that Mana is standing alongside the people who are being downtrodden in Gaza and opposing the horrible rule that's being visited on them by the people of Israel.”
David Shearer, Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson, is calling on Harawira to denounce the flag burning, saying he condemns such behaviour.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples describes the flag burning as “disgusting”, saying it's not the New Zealand way.
Police estimate about 500 pro-Palestinian demonstrators attended the rally.
