Wellington  - New Zealand's indigenous Maori Party welcomed Barack Obama winning the Democratic nomination for the US presidency on Thursday as an inspiration to people of colour around the world.

"One small step for America, one giant leap for people of colour the world over," said Member of Parliament Hone Harawira. "It's hard to believe, but it's looking likely that a black man will be the next president of the USA.

"He's African-American, he has the appeal of Martin Luther King, the backing of the Kennedy clan, the rapturous support of millions of black Americans and growing support from new voters registering to back the champion of hope and change."

Pita Sharples, co-leader of the Maori Party, said, "His success is an inspiration to the Maori Party and to all people of colour seeking to change the way politics is conducted all over the world."

Tariana Turia, another leader of the party which will seek to increase its number of four members in New Zealand's 121-seat parliament at a general election later this year, said, "Obama's message for change is the same message that the Maori Party carries and his hope for a brighter future is a message we embrace as well." (dpa)