"I believe we can grow our economy and protect the environment at the same time," she said.
"We all have a responsibility to ensure we get the balance right and, if this takes more work to get there, then that's what we must do."
But she said Labour had been "very critical of the poor process" which she believes has caused distrust in the community.
"I was asked to front up," she said. "I'll front up to any public rally. I'm prepared to stand on the front line for hard-working regional Kiwis," she said.
"If Foss is confused it's because every direction he looks I'm right there fronting for Tukituki and it's getting to him."
Ironically, neither the rally nor the site for the dam are in the Tukituki electorate, but for Ms Lorck it was a chance to learn more about the dam and its effects on her hometown and on people who do live in the electorate, which extends into Central Hawke's Bay with a boundary at Otane.
Neither candidate has plans for a formal campaign launch yet.
Mr Foss said: "It's certainly heating up, and we'll be doing a launch at some stage, but every day for me is a campaign.
"If I have to start campaigning two months out from an election after nine years as an MP, I really don't deserve it."
Ms Lorck says she is already on the front-foot for a boisterous campaign for "hard-working Kiwis" and all others who have to be part of "the plan" for growth in the region.
"My launch has been knocking on the doors, which I've done in Hastings ... Door-knocking is a good way for finding out how people feel."