National MP Chris Bishop apologises to NZ drum and bass community over COVID-19 vaccination joke

National MP Chris Bishop has apologised to New Zealand's drum and bass fans after joking about them at a press conference yesterday.

At the unveiling of the Opposition's proposed COVID-19 plan on Wednesday, Bishop used an example of a "drum and bass fanatic" getting vaccinated against the disease in order to be allowed to attend a gig.

However it was his saying he didn't know why anyone would be a fan of the music genre that created a stir and was called out by George FM.  

The National Party's COVID-19 Response Spokesperson subsequently said sorry in parliament later on Wednesday.

"Can I just start by begging the House's indulgence to apologise to drum and bass listeners around the country who I inadvertently insulted," Bishop said.

"I was not at all meaning to insult them. I will endeavour to listen to George FM more - apparently George FM is creating a drum and bass playlist for me on Spotify. I can't wait."

Indeed, George FM celebrated Bishop's apology by editing it into a video along with commentary from some of its broadcasters and snippets of drum and bass music.

"Luckily, Bishop came to his senses and issued a formal apology in parliament and promised to listen to George more, good choice there," the station stated on its website.

George FM's 'For Chris Bishop' drum and bass Spotify playlist is embedded below.

It features tracks from international stars including Chase & Status, Alix Perez, High Contrast, Wilkinson, John B, Dimension and Konflict, along with New Zealand artists Tali, The Upbeats, Concord Dawn and State of Mind.