Is Simon Bridges the first person of Maori ancestry to hold a certain distinction in NZ politics?
Yes, he is the first Maori to lead a major party in New Zealand
No, he is not of Maori descent
Yes, he is the first Maori Prime Minister
No, he never held any distinction
Answer
Yes, Simon Bridges holds the distinction of being the first person of Māori ancestry to lead a major political party in New Zealand. He achieved this milestone when he became the leader of the National Party in 2018.