NEW ZEALAND – Simon Bridges says he hopes Maori can be proud the National Party has elected their first Maori leader.

Bridges was elected after 56 National MPs conducted a secret ballot earlier this wseek, with Paula Bennett confirmed to continue as deputy.

There were two ballots and Bridges won on the second.

He is replacing Bill English, who was to deliver his valedictory speech on Thursday.

The Tauranga MP, who is of Ngati Maniapoto descent, defeated Amy Adams, Judith Collins, Steven Joyce and Mark Mitchell for the position, which will make him the first Maori leader of the party.

“I hope Maori who have traditionally been with New Zealand First at times, with Labour, will give us a second look – will think about us and what we mean and the opportunities that we present for Maori.”

He said he would be reshuffling his team over the next fortnight, and he also planned to set out his priorities as party leader. He said the caucus was not fractured, and the process of picking the leadership had been respectful and friendly.

He thanked English, and said the party was “truly” blessed to have such good candidates.

He was incredibly fortunate to inherit a party in such good shape and acknowledged Bennet as his deputy, he said, calling her his fellow Westie and Maori.

Bridges said his party would do three things – hold the government to account, be an alternative government in waiting, and develop the team of MPs. He said there would be a reshuffle in coming weeks.

In a statement, Bridges said taking on the new role was an “enormous privilege”.

“I want to thank my colleagues for giving me the opportunity to lead a strong, united and focused opposition with the ideas and talent to continue to take New Zealand forward.

“I would like to commend Amy, Steven, Judith and Mark for putting themselves forward, and our colleagues for the constructive way we have handled this important decision. That gives me great confidence.

“I would also like to thank Bill English for his tremendous service. Under Bill’s leadership New Zealand has become a better place and we are grateful for all he has done.”

He said he was delighted that Bennett would continue as deputy.

“Paula brings great experience and ability to draw people together and I know she will continue to do an excellent job.

“Our renewed focus on 2020 begins now and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Bridges said National was the underdog heading into the 2020 election.

Despite that government’s refusal to concede that there was a housing crisis in New Zealand, Bridges admitted t that it was a crisis “for those it affects”.

He also said he believed Labour’s books would have a fiscal hole, though it may not be the $11 billion figure used by Steven Joyce during the election campaign.

- RNZ