The nominees were smart, spirited and passionate.
They are three men and three women. None of them live in the Whanganui region, though James Makowharemahihi and Frana Chase have tribal links there.
Perhaps the most high-profile candidate is Rahui Katene, who was the Maori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga from 2008-11, before losing out to Labour's Rino Tirikatene. She is a lawyer specialising in Maori rights and constitutional issues, and lives in Porirua.
Frana Chase lives in Taumarunui and works with Maori in community development and child protection. She has been a social worker.
The other woman, Amokura Panoho, lives in Waitara and is a business expert promoting Maori and business initiatives in Taranaki.
The men also have a varied range of skills. James Makowharemahihi is a counsellor and social worker who lives in Porirua. He counts Te Atihaunui a Paparangi as one of his tribes. Chris McKenzie lives in Tawa and is a political strategist. He was the lead treaty negotiator for Ngati Raukawa.
Pakake Winiata lives in Otaki and is a teacher and the academic head of Te Wananga o Raukawa, a Maori tertiary institution.
Maori Party members at Whangaehu Marae had a chance to vote for their choice on Sunday. There was also a kaumatua (elders) and youth caucus, and each had one vote and came to its decision by consensus.
All votes will go forward to a selection panel consisting of Mr Mair, party co-leaders Mrs Turia and Te Ururoa Flavell and Te Tai Hauauru electorate chair Buff Matenga. Their choice would be made public on December 8, Mr Mair said.