Harete Hipango says she has moved from working with the law to helping shape it.
The new Whanganui MP delivered her maiden speech to Parliament on Thursday afternoon after her election in September.
The National Party MP won a 1706-majority over Labour Party candidate Steph Lewis to replace Chester Borrows who retired after 12 years as Whanganui's MP.
Read more: 'A role I'll take seriously and responsibly' - Harete Hipango
Ms Hipango began her maiden address with a waiata before a 15-minute speech focusing heavily on her history and ancestors.
"They forged a pathway giving shape and passage for the nation to the benefit of us all."
She also talked about her history of advocacy and pledged to be "fearless" in her representation of Whanganui.
Ms Hipango reflected on her Whanganui upbringing and growing up as the middle of five children.
"Born and raised in Putiki, a child of the 60s, raised by a village.
"Some would say we were poor ... we were rich in the essence of family."
Ms Hipango said her mother "prepared and shaped me for resilience" while her father sparked her interested in politics.
In her life she had faced adversity: "Judged for being Maori, judged for not being Maori enough."
And seen adversity: "The police cells, the court cells, the youth justice cells ... I come to this house with experience."
Ms Hipango worked as a lawyer for decades before deciding to run for Parliament earlier this year.
"Now to help shape the law. I represent Te Ao Maori, I represent Te Ao Pakeha. This is who I am."
There was acknowledgement of former Te Tai Hauauru MP Dame Tariana Turia, the local National Party members who supported her campaign and Mr Borrows.
"You saw something in me that I am yet to realise."
Ms Hipango said she would be a "fearless advocate" for the Whanganui electorate and represent the business, economic and environmental issues of the district, appearing to acknowledge opposition to seabed mining along the South Taranaki coast.
She would "protect against unsustainable mining and other unsustainable practices".
Ms Hipango is Whanganui's second female MP and first Maori to hold the seat.
"I will represent you to the best of my ability. With your support I take my place."