A Maori Television questionnaire poll for Ikaroa-Rawhiti suggests Labour could retain the East Coast Maori seat.
The poll showed Mrs Whaitiri was ahead with 37 per cent, with Mana candidate Te Hamua Nikora trailing on 21 per cent.
Maori Party candidate Marama Fox appears to be making a strong running, only 3 per cent behind Mr Nikora. The Wairarapa mother of nine sits on 18 per cent, followed by Green candidate 6 per cent.
There are still a few undecided voters but at only 11 per cent it would mean on those results Labour would keep the Ikaroa Rawhiti seat.
The poll also showed 7 per cent of those polled won't be voting or don't support any of the candidates.