"We say a karakia every morning for Meka, to keep her safe, and we help look after our mokopuna, Meka's two children, while she's out campaigning."
Mei and Wi Rangi had been on parts of the campaign trail with their daughter as well. The family grew up in Whakatu but they have whakapapa or family ties in Manutuke marae near Gisborne, where Meka will be on election night, June 29.
Mei said she had offered lots of advice to her daughter to help with her campaign, especially when it came to issues relating to the kaumatua, or senior people, of Ikaroa-Rawhiti.
"I say that the advice we give has a lot to do with the circle of people we mix in," she said, indicating to the kaumatua gathered at the taiwhenua.
Inside the meeting, Meka told the group of kaumatua she was serious about representing the people of Ikaroa-Rawhiti and named three of the top issues important for Maori.
"My first job in Wellington was with Parekura Horomia at the Department of Labour. We used to go up and down the country from marae to marae to listen to the people. That was 30 years ago and people told us there were three things they wanted, good mahi (work), education for their moko and retention of the reo and tikanga. I would guess that nothing has changed and that is still what people want."
Ms Whaitiri said it was difficult to stand up before a crowd and say "vote for me" but she urged people to make sure they did vote to have their say.
"What I've done is introduce myself and share a bit of my story. I want jobs for whanau, pathways for rangatahi and reo in every home. I want to lead the way in terms of post (Treaty) settlement, create warmer and affordable homes for whanau.
"I am told that's what Labour is about and I will hold them to account on that if I am successful."