Crossword Genius

New Zealander chairman oddly missing train (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maori

'new zealander' is the definition.
(the Maori are indigenous people of New Zealand)

'chairman oddly missing train' is the wordplay.
'chairman' becomes 'Mao' (Chinese leader Chairman Mao).
'oddly missing' means one should take alternating letters.
The alternate letters of 'train' are 'ri'.
'mao'+'ri'='MAORI'

(Other definitions for maori that I've seen before include "Let it stand" , "Member of aboriginal people of New Zealand" , "Aboriginal New Zealander" , "Cook Islander" , "Pa may accommodate one" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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