Nothing to apologise for

RNZ report:

New National MP Cameron Brewer has apologised for a “poor attempt at humour” after celebrating the return of “stale, pale males” in his election night victory speech, having ousted Labour's Vanushi Walters from Upper Harbour.

In a recording of the speech leaked to RNZ, Brewer can be heard declaring himself a “glass ceiling breaker” to laughs from the crowd.

“i'll be the first male MP for Upper Harbour,” he says to cheers. “Stale, pale males are back!” …

Contacted by RNZ, Brewer said the remarks were intended to be funny and self-deprecating but accepted they were unwise.

“If anyone is offended by this comment, of course, I apologise… I don't want to be the subject of distraction,” Brewer said.

“In my defence, it was a private function, but nonetheless, it was a silly thing to say. It was clearly a poor attempt at humour, and it's something I wouldn't say again.”

Brewer told RNZ he was disappointed the speech had been leaked and regretted that his “minor offence” could have poorly reflected on him or the national party.

“It was an exciting election night victory. We were all a little bit excited. And hence, my speech possibly went off the core message of gratitude.

“It's a lesson for a first-term MP that even if you're in a private function, cracking jokes, you've just got to be ultra careful as to what you say.”

This is just ridiculous and should not be a story. It was obvious self-deprecating humour. I hate the fact the offence police seem determined to take all humour and joy out of life.