Jan Tinetti's 'incredibly busy' first day at Parliament

Tauranga-based list MP Jan Tinetti had her first day at Parliament yesterday. Photo/George Novak.

New Tauranga-based list MP Jan Tinetti says her first day at Parliament yesterday was "incredibly busy" and her head was spinning by the end of it.

"It was exciting and stimulating and there's lots to learn. The people were incredibly helpful and were wanting to help and support with even the smallest of questions," she told the Bay of Plenty Times last night.

"I really, really loved it. Many of the new MPs thought it was like the first day of school. As I've had many first days of schools it was different for me - it was wonderful."

Ms Tinetti is a list MP for Labour.

She improved on the previous Tauranga Labour candidate Rachel Jones' 2014 vote count by 2979 and gained the second-highest vote behind re-elected National MP Simon Bridges.

Ms Tinetti said all new MPs met different people from Parliamentary Services yesterday, "giving us an overview of how things operate".

"The 17 new Labour MPs were welcomed with a mihi whakatau. We met briefly with Jacinda [Ardern - Labour leader] and were also given temporary offices. The day finished with a tour."

The first-time MP tendered her resignation as principal of Merivale School yesterday.