One of four people hoping to represent Labour in the Ikaroa-Rawhiti by-election says he doesn't have a big profile but knows what the people want.
Hayden Hape is bidding for the Labour Party candidacy, following the death of Parekura Horomia.
He's been a shearer, a fencer, a labourer and has spent time in the freezing works, and is now the chair of Te Taiwhenua o Tamaki Nui-A-Rua.
Mr Hape says if he becomes MP for the eastern Maori electorate, education would be his top priority - in particular making improvements to kohanga reo centres.
He says if children are to learn, they need to be going to class in a clean, warm, healthy environment.
Mr Hape says if conditions weren't right in the freezing works, staff would walk off the job.
He says he would fight for pupils' rights in kohanga reo and kura to have the best.
Mr Hape joins three other Labour Party hopefuls who want to stand in Ikaroa-Rawhiti.
They are Henare O'Keefe, Meka Whaitiri and Shane Taurima.
The Labour Party will choose its candidate on Sunday.
