Candidate for Maori seat

Ikaroa Rawhiti byelection Green Party candidate Marama Davidson began her campaign on Thursday, planting trees in Greytown along the way.

Ms Davidson kicked off her campaign road trip at Papawai Marae, with co-leader Metiria Turei, planting trees along Mangarara Stream as part of the Papawai Marae stream restoration project.

The byelection was sparked by the death of Labour MP Parekura Horomia, who died at the end of April.

Candidates from the Maori, Labour, and Mana parties are also contesting the seat.

Ms Davidson has worked for the Human Rights Commission as an educator, is a writer and commentator in Maori media and works for the Owen Glenn inquiry into family violence and child abuse.

"I am standing for Ikaroa-Rawhiti to continue my kaupapa Maori passion for social justice and protecting our environment," Ms Davidson said.

She is a mother of six. Her mother is from Te Araroa and now lives in Ruatoria, where she and her family lived until a few years ago.