Meka Whaitiri insists her Maori constituents will understand her decision to defect to Te Paati Maori from Labour.
The Ikaroa Rawhiti MP told TVNZ her decision was driven by a deep desire to return home.
Meka Whaitiri will make her return to Parliament on Tuesday as an independent MP and intends to make a statement in the debating chamber.
Max Towle spoke to RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch.
