The race for the huge east coast electorate - Ikaroa-Rāwhiti - is wide open, after Meka Whaitiri's shock defection to Te Pāti Māori.
Whaitiri has held the seat for the last decade but may have scuppered her chances of another term by switching tickets at the last minute.
She met with her new Labour competitor for a candidates debate in Upper Hutt this week.
Political reporter Anneke Smith was there.
