The Maori MP was supported by her mother Mei Whaitiri, sister Joanne Rowe, who had worked with Mr Horomia, and eldest son, 21-year-old Nohorua Parata.
"It was just so special to have family there. It was a moving and solemn occasion filled with responsibility and eager anticipation of what lies ahead."
Now officially Minister of Customs and Associate Minister of Agriculture, Crown/Maori Relations and Local Government, she said it was incredible to move into government after sitting in opposition for years.
"A lot of it was pinching yourself asking if it's real to the huge responsibility that now you're the government.
"It seems surreal in a sense where you're going from a place of opposition, where I was for four years, to being part of the Government that does make the decisions on behalf of the people in New Zealand. "
Mr Nash, who is now Minister of Police, Fisheries, Revenue and for Small Business, said being sworn in was the professional highlight of his life so far.
"It's a real privilege to serve in Cabinet and when you get interested in politics there are a whole lot of people you look up to who have done amazing things and you never envisage that one day you'll be in a government that's charged with transforming the way we do things."
The Napier MP, who will sit in Cabinet while Ms Whaitiri sits outside, was supported at the ceremony by his wife Sarah Nash and one of his best friends Andrew Kelly, who had journeyed with him throughout his political career.
"It's good for the Bay and I think both of us [myself and Ms Whaitiri] work had to ensure the people of Hawke's Bay, like the people of New Zealand, benefit from a Labour-led Government."
Ms Whaitiri said she commended Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's plans to do something a little different after the formalities were over; organising a four member band to play outside as the new Government greeted a crowd that had gathered outside during the ceremony.
"I look around the table and see 31 individuals, across three political parties, who are absolutely committed and I couldn't have asked for a better group to be part of."