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Download AudioLabour Party leader Jacinda Ardern has welcomed the announcement former Wellington deputy mayor Jill Day will become the party’s next president when Claire Szabó steps down in November.
Ms Day, from Ngāti Tūwharetoa, will be the party’s second Māori president after Sir Charles Bennett, who held the role from 1972 to 1976.
The Prime Minister says it’s an example of the depth of Māori talent in party ranks.
“It all comes down to the fact we have people with such excellent skills and we’re making use of them, so I hope Māori see themselves reflected in the Labour Party and the policies are demonstrating that,” Ms Ardern says.
Ms Day, a former teacher, was the first wahine Māori elected to the Wellington Council, and led efforts to establish a Māori ward and adopt a te reo Māori policy for the capital.
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