November 26, 2021
Reti tribe’s pick for National leader
A Ngāti Hine leader wants his tribesman Shane Reti to throw in his pōtae for the National Party leadership.
Yesterday’s ousting of Judith Collins means he’s the caretaker leader until Tuesday when the caucus meets to choose a replacement.
Pita Tipene says Dr Reti from Ngāti Hine, Te Kapotai and Ngāti Wai would make a great Opposition leader and great prime minister.
“He has humility, he has dignity and he has integrity and the local people know that. He’s not one to jump into the limelight just to be seen. Judith Collins obviously had her problems but Shane Reti has always been a steady figure in the background and that is what he will always bring,” he says.
So far the contenders for National’s leadership are former cop Mark Mitchell, former Air New Zealand head Christopher Luxon, who would bring on Nicola Willis as deputy, and Simon Bridges may also run.