Three month's worth of campaign donations had flowed in in a matter of days.
As he launched his campaign to hold on to the Maori electorate seat he won in 2014, Mr Rurawhe carried an added responsibility.
Mr Davis' promotion to deputy leader meant the Treaty of Waitangi negotiations portfolio had been handed to Mr Rurawhe in Ms Ardern's re-shuffle.
With his background in Treaty negotiations, he was the logical choice.
"It's a big responsibility but I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
"I've been involved with Treaty settlements since 2002 so I know that space really well. I have taken a keen interest in settlements in my electorate and beyond."
Mr Rurawhe, whose campaign launch was at Te Rau Oriwa Marae, St Mary's Church, in the town centre, was into his first meeting with claimants this week only a couple of hours after the appointment was announced.
"There are a number of big settlements coming up throughout the country," Mr Rurawhe said.
"There are the Whanganui land settlements, Taranaki maunga (mountain), Ngati Maniapoto which is in the north of my electorate and all the ones in Horowhenua as well.
"I've already been doing a lot of work around settlements and I've kept up to date with the reading on the settlements that are happening right now."