Party co-leader Pita Sharples said he had told Harawira personal attacks were not the Maori Party's way of behaving.
"I guess he was just so angry," Mr Sharples said.
"The policy is racist, that's the point. The Aboriginal leaders are saying that. It's directed at intimidating them, putting them down."
Mr Harawira said he accepted the "telling off" from Mr Sharples.
"I've apologised to the Maori Party, but I certainly won't be apologising to John Howard," he said.
Harawira said he made the comment to raise attention to the plight of the Aboriginal people in Australia's Northern Territory.
"Obviously it's done so, and if it forces John Howard to take a look at the policy, that would also be helpful," he said.
"Very rarely do I get that expressive these days, but this particularly hurt me.
"I know of people who live in the Northern Territory who are totally gutted by what is happening - and they're not even bad people."
Earlier today, Mr Sharples said he regretted the personal nature of the comment, and at the news conference he acknowledged the Maori Party's attitude could be seen as interfering in Australia's domestic politics.
"But we are what we are. We stand for the rights of our own people, and also the rights of other Indigenous peoples around the world."
The Maori Party caucus issued a three-page statement outlining its concerns about the measures the Australian government has announced.
The measures include bans on alcohol and pornography, strict control of welfare payments, and mobilising extra police and troops to help address child abuse and other problems.
Mr Sharples said the party intended making direct contact with Australian politicians.
"It would be by way of offering advice from people who have spent their lives dealing with Indigenous issues," he said.
Mr Harawira was asked whether he was considering going to Australia to support Aboriginal leaders.
He said that was a possibility. - NZPA
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