Labour Party member Meka Whaitiri has this weekend to launch her campaign to retain the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti seat right in the heart of her hometown of Whakatū, but she knows she has a battle on her hands to keep the seat.
She may still be getting her feet wet in politics, however for Meka Whaitiri it's all about cleaning up the waterways, which could take a generation to happen.
It's been just over a year since she won the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti seat. During that time she's been tasked with water, regional development, local Government and primary industries.
Meka Whaitiri is the youngest girl in her family and still lives in Whakatū a few doors down from her parents.
Getting the economy going again in small towns like Whakatū is one of the real challenges facing her electorate.
With less than two months to go until election day, she'll be contending against Mana Party’s Te Hāmua Nikora, Greens' Henare Kani and the Māori Party's Marama Fox for votes.