Meanwhile, major supermarket chain Progressive Enterprises, which owns Countdown, Woolworths and Foodtown supermarkets, has revealed it reviewed its advertising with TVNZ after Paul Henry's comments about Sir Anand.

"Along with many other New Zealanders, we felt offended by Paul Henry's comments about what it is to be a New Zealander," a Progressives spokeswoman said.

"We note that TVNZ has disciplined Paul Henry by taking him off air, and in the meantime advertising will continue. We will be closely monitoring this issue and the placement of our advertising on behalf of our customers, our staff and our suppliers."

The statement suggested that Progressive could pull any advertising it may schedule during future Breakfast programmes if Henry made similar racially-charged comments again.