The woman putting her hand up to represent the Labour Party in the race for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti seat says jobs and youth are at the top of her to-do list.
Meka Whaitiri has been the chief executive of one of the largest iwi incorporations, Ngati Kahungunu, since 2009, and is seeking selection for the by-election at the end of next month.
The eastern Maori seat became vacant after the death of the Labour MP Parekura Horomia.
She says she has served the people of the electorate for the past 25 years, from working in the shearing sheds, to advising in the office of the Minister of Maori Affairs.
Ms Whaitiri says too many people are leaving the region because there are not enough jobs, and that needs to change.
She also wants to set up pathways to help rangatahi, or young people.
