July 31, 2013
Whaitiri sworn in as MP
Parliament’s newest MP hopes to play a hand in forming policies that will win Labour back the treasury benches.
Meka Whaitiri was sworn in yesterday as MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti, the seat she won in a by-election brought on by the death of Parekura Horomia.
The former public servant and Ngāti Kahungunu chief executive says while parts of the parliament complex are familiar from her time working in Mr Horomia’s office when he was minister for Māori affairs, there's a lot to learn.
"Coming into opposition and the other part of parliament which is Parliament House and being supported, it’s learning the systems of support, it’s getting to know your colleagues in the party, getting up to speed with the party policies that are still evolving, so that means I can apply some of my experience throughout Ikaroa-Rāwhiti to the policy formation as we head into the general election next year," Ms Whaitiri says.
She is also trying to work out the best way to service her electorate, which takes 11 hours to drive from one end to the other.
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