Waiariki MP congratulates the new 2009 Australian Idol

Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell was delighted to hear the news of Ngai Te Rangi 18 year old, Stan Walker, winning the Australian Idol competition on Sunday night.

"While we won't get the see the show until this Friday night, the news has already spread through the kumara vine around Aotearoa, as we all bask in the glory of this talented young singer".

"I personally have followed Stan from the start. He has shown himself to be very humble, dedicated to his whanau, he has a certain wairua about him that I am sure every Maori in Aotearoa or in Australia can feel just as the judges and people of Australia can, and can he sing!. He makes me even prouder to be Maori.

"I congratulate Stan and all of his extended whanau for a fabulous win, and the opportunity of an exciting career suddenly opening in front of him".

"From all the reports, the haka Stan received from whanau and proud Kiwis right around the Sydney Opera House was incredible - celebrating this amazing young man while at the same time expressing our great pride in the success of this Maori Idol". Kei runga noa atu koe Stan"