Merivale Principal Jan Tinetti has been announced as the Labour Party's new candidate ahead of this year's general election.
Previously Labour candidates for Tauranga have come from out of town, making Mrs Tinetti the first candidate for the party to actually come from Tauranga.
The announcement was made late last night, at a selection meeting comprising of party president Nigel Haworth, general secretary Andrew Kirton and people from the New Zealand Labour Party Council.
Mrs Tinetti was one of two nominees being considered.
Tauranga Women's Refuge manager Angela Warren-Clark was also in the running.
Mrs Tinetti has been principal for Merivale School for several years, a vocal advocate for the community and active member of the NZEI national executive.
She will join former television personality Tamati Coffey, who is the Labour candidate for the Waiariki seat.
The general election will be held on September 23.