Crossword Genius

Polynesian communist state (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maori

'polynesian' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'communist state' is the wordplay.
'communist' becomes 'Mao' (Mao is an example).
'state' becomes 'RI' (Rhode Island abbreviation).
'mao'+'ri'='MAORI'

(Other definitions for maori that I've seen before include "Let it stand" , "One of New Zealand's aboriginal people" , "Native of Aotearoa" , "Indigenous New Zealanders" , "NZ people" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.