February 28, 2018
Maori leadership dominates NZ parliament
The election of Simon Bridges as National Party leader means six of the eight party leaders or deputy leaders in the New Zealand parliament now have Maori whakapapa.
Paula Bennett was reconfirmed as National’s deputy leader, and also yesterday Fletcher Tabuteau became Winston Peters’ deputy in New Zealand First, replacing Ron Mark.
Labour’s deputy is Te Taitokerau MP Kelvin Davis, and ACT’s leader David Seymour has Ngati Rehia connections.
Mr Bridges, who is Ngati Maniapoto through his father, a Baptist minister, said after he vote he was proud to have a pair of Maori westies leading National.
He said he hopes Maori are proud of him and will give the party a second look.
He believed Maoridom was changing, and Maori success in business shows they are as aspirational as every other New Zealander.
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