James Meager says because he grew up poor and Māori people have questioned why he isn't a Labour Party voter. But the new MP has pushed back against these stereotypes saying it's his values and philosophies that unite him with National.
It's only his second day in Parliament but the National Party newcomer has already been tipped as a potential future leader.
The Rangitata MP delivered his powerful maiden speech on Wednesday where he gave insight into his upbringing and took aim at the Opposition's position on Māoridom.
Meager -" a part-Māori boy" raised in a state house by a single parent on the benefit, now a National MP in a rural farming electorate - said to some he may been seen as a "walking contradiction" but there is no contradiction.
"Members opposite do not own Māori. Members opposite do not own the poor. Members opposite do not own the workers," he said.
"No party and no ideology has a right to claim ownership over anything or anyone."
He said what drives him is the importance of education, working hard, being a decent person and living a decent life – something his mum taught him.
"That's what brought me here. It's why I'm in politics, in this place. Because I know that in New Zealand today, not every child will have the same opportunity I had 30 years ago."
Appearing on AM on Thursday, Meager said the reaction to his speech has been "overwhelming".
"I have had hundreds and hundreds of texts and messages and emails with congratulations and lots of messages from people who felt a bit of them in my story too. So, it's been overwhelming and very humbling," he told co-host Ryan Bridge.
Parliament is to represent the people, Meager said, which is why he decided to share his background and how it shaped what he believed in.
Meager said there is a stereotype that because he grew up poor and Māori he should vote for Labour.
"Well, it's not the factors you grew up in that shape what party you should be involved with, it's the values you carry and the philosophies you run through life," he said.
"When I grew up, I saw a mum that took responsibility for herself in a situation and she got help from the state, and I appreciate that and I acknowledge that and I realise there is a role for that in our country, but it was her determination and her grit that got us through and no one else in the world was going to change our situation but her.
"There's a stereotype that if don't think a certain way, if you don't agree with a certain world view which is a 'Māori world view' then you don't belong in it, and I just disagree with that. We're all individuals, we're all family units, we all have our own thoughts and feelings and views on things, and we should be able to share them in a way we feel comfortable."
Meager's dad wasn't around for much of his childhood, but they have reconnected and his father was at Parliament watching his speech.
"It was an honour to have him there. He is a massive part of my life and I did mean it when I say I love him dearly," Meager said.
Since his speech, social media has erupted with praise for the new MP, with many tipping him to become the next Prime Minister but for Meager, he is content with his new job for now.
"I would love to be a minister one day if I got the opportunity. I think that's the way you make a big difference in the world, but I am perfectly happy doing my job and I'm just really thrilled to be here."
