Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri celebrated her re-election with firm plans on how long she hopes to remain in Parliament - and it's not as long as any of her predecessors.
First elected in a byelection in June last year, she's just the fifth Maori electorate MP representing her Ngati Kahungunu people in 82 years, with terms ranging from the 14 years (1999-2013) of former boss and late Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Parekura Horomia to the 35 years of late Southern Maori MP Sir Eruera Tirakatene(1932-1967).
The 49-year-old Ms Whaitiri, who had four generations of her Labour Party loyal whanau with her on election night at the Clive Rugby Club, says if she makes it to 10 years (the past year plus three full terms) she will have to "kick myself out".
"That's all about succession, isn't it?" she said, indicating part of the job will be about making sure there is someone to succeed her when it's time to go, and maintain a Labour tradition that has seen the party representing Maori in the region for all but three years since 1932.
Although National Party policy to abolish Maori seats could put a spanner in the works, which Prime Minister John Key has said would be provoking a "hikoi from hell", there was perhaps a sign of succession from Ms Whaitiri's teenaged son Nohorua Parata, 18, as the victory became more and more obvious.