Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The government minister Meka Whaitiri has formally announced her defection from Labour.
She will stand for Te Pāti Māori in the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate, which she currently holds.
Speaking at Waipatu Marae in Hastings, Ms Whaitiri said the decision to cross the floor was not an easy one, but was the right one.
She said her resignation from Labour is effective immediately, and she will sit with Te Pāti Māori when it returns to parliament.
RNZ's Maori news editor, Jamie Tahana speaks with Kathryn.
