GREEN LOOK - IN SMOKY BLUE

The most talked-about item of clothing to grace a parliamentarian since
that infamous pair of silky boxers will make its first public appearance
today.

When Green MP Nandor Tanczos walks up the steps of Parliament to be
officially sworn in, he will be clad in a new hemp suit.

He expects some people to be surprised by his stylish appearance. "People
expect it to be like sackcloth."

But the dark blue fabric was soft, textured and a tailor's delight, he said.

Posing in Ponsonby's Western Park yesterday in the hemp-and- wool-blend
creation, his metre-long dreadlocks arranged turban-like, Mr Tanczos
appeared the perfect poster-child for the creation of a New Zealand hemp
industry.

Hemp is a woody variety of the cannabis plant. While it is legal to import
finished hemp products, importing the seed is illegal.

The Green Party wants trials of hemp crops in New Zealand, following the
trend in more than 30 countries.

As co-founder and owner of the Hemp Store, Mr Tanczos also saw the sales
potential for the suits in Parliament.

"I'd happily take orders."

He said his suit was comfortable and breathed well.

"Most other items made from hemp would be jeans and casual urban wear.

"We've always wanted to make hemp suits, but the industry is so small that
it's a matter of building it up line by line."

The hemp in his suit was grown in China, and the suit was made by Payne
Tailors in Karangahape Rd.

Hemp promoters say there is no risk of hemp being used as a drug.