A new National MP delivered a powerful maiden speech in Parliament telling the Opposition it doesn't have a monopoly on certain groups.
Rangitata's James Meager told the House about his part-Māori background and growing up in a state house with a single parent on the benefit.
The speech was met with applause and messages of support- and experts have him tapped as a future leader.
Meager says he wanted to lay out his beliefs and values in Parliament and didn't plan on leaving an impact.
"I don't really know why it's had the impact or why it's been received as well as it has- maybe it's because I spoke honestly and openly from the heart and wasn't really too worried about getting it right or wrong."
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