Controversial comments by National's immigration spokesman Lockwood Smith about migrant workers have been widely condemned, despite an apology.
Dr Smith said he was only repeating what employers had told him, when he made the remarks about workers in the government scheme which brings people from the Pacific to fill labour shortages.
He said some Asian workers were more productive in vineyards, being better at pruning because their hands are smaller.
Dr Smith also highlighted what he said were problems with Pacific workers, saying employers needed to teach some workers how to use toilets or showers.
In a written statement, Lockwood Smith said his comments about the scheme were simply reporting the strong concerns expressed to him by many employers.
He said he sincerely regretted causing offence, and that it was not his intention.
National Party leader John Key said Dr Smith's apology was appropriate, but would not be drawn on Dr Smith's future as a possible Immigration Minister.
Mr Key said things are always overblown during election campaigns.
Samoan lawyer and National candidate Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, who is number 35 on the party's list, says he is disappointed by his colleague's comments.
Priority is Pacific, says Clark
Labour leader Helen Clark said the comments were "daft" and not what you would expect from a senior MP.
Miss Clark said New Zealand's priority is the Pacific, and while New Zealand can't solve the development problems of the whole world, it can have a good shot at making a significant impact in the Pacific.
She said it is critical for Pacific Islanders to be able to earn their way through seasonal employment.
"Utterly racist"
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia described Dr Smith's comments as utterly racist, and said he had overstepped the mark.
She said employers in her region have had nothing put praise for Pacific workers.
Ms Turia told Radio New Zealand that people like Dr Smith "make you think twice about relationships that you might develop."
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said Dr Smith's comments were extraordinarily naive, and not fitting for someone who wants to be a minister.
"Election fodder"
Senior lecturer in Samoan Studies at Victoria University Galumalemana Alfred Hunkin told Morning Report on Wednesday that there is "quite a bit of stereotyping" in Dr Smith's statements.
"And I think is its a ridiculous and foolish one because they bring back shades of the sorts of comments that happened in the 1970s, particularly during the Muldoon era, when Pacific Islanders were made fun of and fodder of election campaigns."
He said even if Dr Smith was saying what he was told by others, that was not a reason to repeat the comments.
"He's the one that should have been very careful in repeating them publicly, particularly at this time of the electioneering campaign"
Vineyard contractor
Marlborough vineyard contractor Mack Pouwhare says has heard similar comments to those made by Dr Smith.
He said growers who employ his Thai workers prefer them because they say the workers are very productive, careful with young vines and tend to work longer hours than Pacific Islanders.
"If they could they'd just have my Asian people on their properties, and not the Pacific Islanders at all.
"I suppose that's being a wee bit racist but that's the comments I'm getting back from my growers."
Pacific reaction
Former Cook Islands prime minister Joe Williams said as a senior National party member Dr Smith had shown very poor judgement, and a sizeable degree of ignorance.
Dr Williams said John Key would have to think very hard about awarding Dr Smith the immigration portfolio if his party wins the election.
Health Ministry chief Pacific Advisor Api Talemaitonga said Dr Smith is another example of someone who is criticising a group without facts or evidence, and National will not win Pacific votes with this behaviour.
Sefita Haouli, who manages Tongan seasonal workers, said he has had calls from employers of seasonal workers expressing their dismay at the comments.
