Whanganui's new MP says it's a role she will take "seriously and responsibly".
Standing outside National Party campaign headquarters on Sunday morning Harete Hipango was greeted by a steady stream of well-wishers.
"[It's] an immense privilege but I know also there's a task ahead, jobs to be done now," she told the Chronicle.
Ms Hipango won the seat, vacated by the retiring Chester Borrows, with a 1841-vote majority over another first-time candidate, Labour's Steph Lewis.
There is little time or desire for celebration, however, with Ms Hipango getting ready to head to Wellington on Monday to begin her parliamentary career.
Ms Hipango is the 15th MP for Whanganui, the second-female and first of Maori descent to hold the seat.
"That was something that never entered my mind actually.
"I've just always considered having been of Whanganui, born, raised, involved in community right across the board.
"[I'm] comfortable moving wherever I go irrespective of tension, conflict, welcome, whatever. It's par for the course."
During the campaign she had heeded some simple advice from the outgoing Mr Borrows.
"[He said to] be myself.
"It's been interesting. People as well intentioned as they are, everybody offers their own opinion and advice and take on matters and that's where I think it's been quite significant what Chester said."
Having worked as a lawyer for the past 30 years it will be a change of career for Ms Hipango but one she said she was ready for.
"I've travelled with my work. Travelling nothing new, being away from my family is nothing new."
Ms Hipango said she always had held an interest in politics but parliamentary ambitions had only become realistic in the past year.
"That's front of mind. But it's also about have balance too and growth in our community."
In terms of what areas she would like to work in, justice and the social sector seem a natural fit but she said it was too early to say.
"I'll wait to see what comes my way and certainly put my hand up in areas I am passionate about."
And she's hoping to be more than a one-term MP.
"It's the call of the people [but] yes I would. We'll see how the first year goes and the next two to three years go.
"Of course I know that there's work to be done and not everybody will be agreeable. You don't come into public office to meet or garner everybody's satisfaction and agreement, that's not how it works. It's about the greater interest for the community.