Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell has apologised for the hurt caused by his suggestion iwi take a hard-line approach to suicide but says at least he's sparked discussion.
Mr Flavell has been criticised for suggesting that those who take their lives might have a one-day tangi and be buried at the front of a cemetery, to condemn the practice.
The MP says he never meant to hurt people, but spoke in frustration at the number of youth suicides in his region.