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Maori Leader Applauds Key Selection

The Ngapuhi leader David rankin has offered his congratulations to the new leader of the National Party, John Key. In a personal statement to Key, Mr rankin said 'I hope that Maori will now see that there is a sensible alternative to the politicis of division' in a refernce to the Maori party.

'Labour and that new mob have dominated Maori voting patterns. Now, we have a viable choice, and National is offering policies that can advance our people'.

Asked whether his statemnts might offend some Maori, Mr. Rankin replied, 'That's not my problem. If people are offended because they think their benefits might be reviewed, or they might not be given special privieges, then that's their problem. Traditionally, Maori always had to fight to get ahead and many of our people haev lost that spirit. I believe that Mr Key could help turn that around for us'.

David Rankin

ENDS

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