"I've never looked at it as a competition or as a celebration as such," she said. "I'm very circumspect about things. So I'm looking forward to just being with people today. I saw somebody going for a walk, so I might take the dog for a walk and just have time to reflect really."
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 Chester 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, Ms Hipango said she was ready for her new career.
"I've travelled with my work ... travelling is nothing new, being away from my family is nothing new."
She has always had an interest in politics but parliamentary ambitions had only become realistic in the past year.
"It's something that I've been exposed to since I was a child and it was very much par for the course just living in the community," she said.
"Timing is everything. I've always said priority is about being a parent, so raising three children - they're all independent now and have left home."
"I'm ever mindful I'm a servant of the people who have elected me in," she said. Her focus will be on regional growth and development.
"And that's not just about business enterprise. I have come from social justice, community orientation so it's about people as well.
"That's front of mind. But it's also about having balance 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 ... 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 like more than one term. We'll see how the first year goes and the next two to three years go.
"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.
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