Mayor accepts Brownlee apology

6:46 pm on 9 February 2012

The mayor of Christchurch says the Earthquake Recovery Minister has apologised to him for describing him as a clown.

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Gerry Brownlee made the comment in an interview with a weekly Christchurch newspaper but on Thursday said it was an inappropriate remark.

Mr Parker, who is travelling in China, issued a statement on Thursday afternoon saying he has accepted the minister's apology.

Mr Parker says everyone involved in the rebuild of Christchurch is working under considerable pressure.

Mr Brownlee says dealing with the Christchurch City Council is frustrating and he made the comment at the height of the controversy over council infighting.