I think Maori culture is immensely important. Without it, we wouldn't have economically successful cities like Rotorua. We would not have Sir Howard Morrison and we would not have Dame Kiri Te Kawana.

I don't like that food though. No, I went to to hangi once and all that kumera wrapped in cabbage and stuck in hole in the ground and left until it got mushy - well, it's hardly pheasant and caviar is it? Of course, I'd never say that to their faces. It's rude. Just like at a powhiri one's invited to at a Maori training college, one has to attend graciously and not state matter of factly, "Well, this is all very nice but when I'm PM I'll shut it down and put you in the army." No, that wouldn't do. It's disrespectful to their culture.

Still, I was at the pub on my campaign trail and there I had a pint of Tui - that's more Maori culture, isn't it? Without the word "Tui" I guess it would be called Parsonsbird, which is a ridiculous name for a beer.

As a mainstream New Zealander, I love the All Blacks. My wife, Jan-Li does too. Watching those big strong boys in black doing the haka often sends shivers down her spine. She's very keen on one day meeting them in their dressing room after they're all sweaty from a game. I know that when I'm Prime Minister I'll be able to help her achieve that dream.

I have two Sir Howard Morrison CD's, you know. I really like his rumbling Maori voice. Especially in "How Great Thou Art." I have an affinity with that song. And I saw Dame Kiri herself at Millbrook one year when I was Governor of the Reserve Bank. "Te Kawana" is Maori for "The Governor" you realise.

Under a National-led government Maori culture certainly has its place in the myriad of cultures that express New Zealand. It's right up there with land confiscation and dawn raids. It's a part of who we are.

Don Brash

National Party Leader