The Labour Party candidate for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate says her supportive school-age sons have been clamouring to join her on the campaign trail.
Meka Whaitiri says she wouldn't be contesting the eastern Maori seat without the backing of her large family.
She says her whanau was involved in the past in campaigns for the late Parekura Horomia, who had held the electorate for Labour.
Meka Whaitiri says her boys have made a funny social media video to promote her push for the seat which she says is appealing to young voters who are put off by policy announcements.
She says her sons are in boarding school five days a week and have asked to come out of class to help her, but she's told them they have to stay in school.
The Ikaroa-Rawhiti by-election will be held on Saturday 29 June.