Pubdate: Thu, 09 Dec 1999
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 1999 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  Private Bag 4722, Christchurch, New Zealand
Fax: 364-8238
Website: http://www.press.co.nz/

HEMP SUIT CONCESSION FROM MP TANCZOS

WELLINGTON -- Dreadlocked Rastafarian Green Party MP Nandor Tanczos
says he will not tone down his image when he enters the staid halls of
Parliament.

Mr Tanczos, who yesterday arrived at Parliament dressed in jeans and
sports shoes, is having a hemp suit made to fulfil a dress code
dictating that male MPs wear a jacket and tie in the debating chamber.

He said he accepted he was coming into a hostile environment where he
could come under attack for being different. But it seems he will make
few concessions.

"The people elected us for who we are. The people want to see us in
Parliament. I don't think I want to become somebody else," he said.

He expected fascination with his "dreads" would eventually wear off,
and his deeds would become more important than his looks.

"It's focusing on the superficial, but I've got to deal with that," he
said.

"People deal with the superficial all the time. I'm hoping, for
instance, there's a lot of talk about my hemp suit, that people will
use that to focus on what hemp is. What kind of potential is that for
our country?"

The Greens justice spokesman expected Parliament to be a tough place
to work, but he was prepared to do his best and work co-operatively
with other MPs.

"The real challenge is to get in there and do the good work, and let
people see that we are competent and serious, and we can fulfil our
function here."

Mr Tanczos got down to work this afternoon, with a three-hour caucus
meeting starting soon after co-leaders Rod Donald and Jeanette
Fitzsimons greeted him on the steps of Parliament.

Three other new Green MPs -- Sue Bradford, Sue Kedgley and Ian
Ewen-Street -- were also welcomed, as was Keith Locke, who is next on
the Greens party list. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake