Rotorua Labour Party candidates have welcomed the nomination of new Mt Albert MP Jacinda Ardern for the party's deputy leader position.
Ms Ardern was nominated for the position by party leader Andrew Little after the decision by Annette King to step down and retire from Parliament.
Mrs King also put forward Ms Ardern's name to replace her as deputy leader with the party expected to vote on and name a new deputy early next week.
Rotorua Labour Party candidate Ben Sandford said both Mrs King and Ms Ardern were wonderful people who had done incredible work.
"They both believe in creating a better future for everyone in New Zealand and it's the work of people like Jacinda and Annette that helped inspire me to get involved and make a difference.
"I pass on my congratulations to Annette for all the work she has done and the outstanding career she's had in politics and I congratulate Jacinda on her nomination for deputy leader and I look forward to working with her when Labour forms the next government," Mr Sandford said.
Labour's Waiariki candidate Tamati Coffey said Ms Ardern had his full support.
"From day one she has supported me and the times she has been to Rotorua she's always impressed.
"She is a really personable and affable person, highly intelligent and who has the common touch.
"I was door knocking in Kawerau last night and was asked when Jacinda would be stepping up ... and lo and behold I woke up and heard the news she had been nominated by Annette [King] and our leader Andrew [Little]."
He said the portfolios Ms Ardern had held were important and showed she could do the job.
Ms Ardern, 36, grew up in Morrinsville, after spending her early years in Murupara where her father was a police officer.
She is her party's spokeswoman for justice, arts, culture and heritage, children and small business.