The outcome of this extraordinary election had only become clear a week earlier and that reality was still sinking in. It was an emotional day with my mother, sister and eldest son there to support me.
My late dad, who was my staunchest supporter and adviser, would have been absolutely chuffed.
I also thought of my predecessor, Parekura Horomia, whose legacy I have worked hard to honour. Parekura would be thrilled to see Labour back in government. I hope he thinks the girl he met at the freezing works all those years ago is doing okay at following his instructions to "hold the line".
As the new Government returned from the swearing-in ceremony we were treated to a massive public welcome on the grounds of Parliament. It was an electrifying party atmosphere and signalled that this Government will be your government; a government of the people - transparent and welcoming - not shut away in our ivory towers.
It was also a proud day for our Labour Maori caucus. Our Maori electorate MPs copped some flak this year for opting off the party list, but our strategy to bring more Maori MPs in through the ranks was a success, with 13 Maori MPs now in our caucus and five Labour Maori ministers sworn in to government (from a total of eight Maori ministers in the coalition government, and 13 Maori/Pasifika ministers).
The Maori Development portfolio has also returned to the Cabinet, under the formidable leadership of Nanaia Mahuta. Our Maori voters who showed ongoing support for Labour again this year should take heart knowing there is now such a strong Maori presence at the top table of government.
I have been given the privilege of serving as Customs Minister. Customs plays a vital part in protecting our government, economy and international reputation through border security, promotion of international trade, and revenue collection.
This is an exciting new challenge for me, and will require me to draw on all my prior experience as a senior public service manager and member of Parliament.
My goals at this early stage are to ensure we have a modern and responsive service prepared for the increasing and changing demands at the border, while continuing a focus on world-class border management.
With methamphetamine still harming our communities and tearing apart whanau, it is an immediate priority for me to make sure we are doing everything possible to seize the drug and its precursors at our borders.
I've also been given associate roles in Agriculture, Crown/Maori Relations (both newly formed portfolios) and Local Government.
It's fortunate and important to me that my portfolio areas also have relevance to my electorate.
Agriculture is integral to our regional identity and my personal wish would be to look at this through a Maori lens and see how we can help develop our Maori talent. Crown/ Maori Relations will be an interesting area to work in, with a growing Maori economy and numerous post-settlement commitments made by the Crown.
As Labour's former Local Government spokeswoman, I have built deep networks in this sector and look forward to once again working in this space.
Being in government also comes with a huge weight of responsibility to deliver and I am excited to get started on the mahi ahead.
I want to assure my constituents that you won't be neglected while we get to the business of running the country!
Being a minister is an absolute privilege, but first and foremost I am the elected member for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti and I remain committed to working hard as your MP.
Meka Whaitiri is the Minister of Customs and MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti. Views expressed here are the writer's opinion and not the newspaper's. Email: editor@hbtoday.co.nz
