The Act Party has joined former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters in condemning “racist” comments made by Marama Davidson.

The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence was recorded on camera on Saturday saying “I know what causes violence in this world and it’s white cis men.”

ACT Leader David Seymour said Davidson can’t be an effective Minister if she can’t get basic facts right and instead chooses prejudice.

“If she can’t front up with evidence for her statement about white men, she should resign”

Seymour said her outburst would be a firing offence in most Governments.

“Helen Clark sacked John Tamihere after offensive comments about particular groups came to light. Will Chris Hipkins apply the same standard?

“Davidson’s comments are outrageous and extremely inappropriate for a Minister that is responsible for reducing family violence and harm.

“Family violence and harm does not discriminate and her obvious bias against one race is deeply troubling.”

Seymour said “the Cabinet Manual says: ‘Ministers are expected to…behave in a way that upholds, and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical standards. This includes exercising a professional approach and good judgement in their interactions with the public and officials, and in all their communications, personal and professional. Ultimately, Ministers are accountable to the Prime Minister for their behaviour.’

“No reasonable person can credibly claim that Davidson’s rant ‘exercised a professional approach and good judgement’. Will Chris Hipkins hold her to that standard? Or will he continue to set a low bar for ministerial conduct like he did with Stuart Nash?

Seymour said “we hardly ever hear from Davidson. We didn’t hear from her during reports of a spike in family violence in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. She’s sent two press releases as the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence in the last 242 days. “When we do hear from her, it’s to target a particular group.

“New Zealanders deserve better from their representatives. Davidson should front up with evidence for her statement or resign.”

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters said “Marama Davidson should stand down as ‘Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence”

“Her offensive, racist, and sexist remarks are typical of a minister who has lost any right and authority to hold her portfolio. “

Peters said her comments were “peak madness.”

He said the Prime Minister must have higher standards than shown by Minister Davidson. 

“New Zealanders neither want nor deserve to be looked upon and insulted by our so-called ‘representatives’ in this way. 

Is it any wonder there was violence shown at the protest when we have a Minister outright supporting it.”

Left-leaning blogger Martyn Bradbury said “clearly the Minister misspoke and she didn’t actually mean that her Ministerial position has led her to believe that all white cis men cause all the violence in the world.”

The Minister clearly misspoke and needs to correct her statement before this erupts.”

Responding to the clip, social media users condemned the words with one person saying “she needs to be sacked from her Ministerial post after what she said yesterday.”

Another responded “I have often wondered if she can be included among the intelligent, well-spoken feminists whom I admire. This ends that conjecture, and leaves me wondering if the Greens are devoid of people who can judge people’s suitability for office.”

If you are concerned about yourself or someone who may need help, contact Women’s Refuge NZ on 0800 REFUGE, or 0800 873 843, or the Family Violence Helpline 0800 456 450.