Labour leader Phil Goff says the party will make Maori and Pacific unemployment a focus of the Mana by-election.
The seat will become vacant later this year when Luamanuvao Winnie Laban MP takes up a role as Victoria University's pro-vice chancellor Pasifika.
With Maori unemployment running at more than 16% nationally and the Pacific rate at more than 14%, Mr Goff says that means a lot of people in the electorate are out of work.
Mr Goff told Waatea News his party won't take the Mana electorate for granted.
The seat is traditionally safe for Labour.
Possible candidates
Mr Goff's chief press secretary, Kris Faafoi, has confirmed he is considering standing as a Labour candidate.
Mr Faafoi, a former political reporter for Television New Zealand, says he was approached by senior figures in the party and is now actively considering candidacy.
Josie Pagani, a political advisor to Progressives leader Jim Anderton, has also expressed her interest in contesting the seat for Labour.
