Finance Minister Grant Robertson welcome's new Labour MP's to parliament after historic Labour victory
New Labour MPs are arriving at Parliament in Wellington this morning for their first caucus after the landslide election result.
In total, 40 MPs will begin new careers in the capital, including New Zealand's first African, Latin American and Sri Lankan Members of Parliament.
The big swing to Labour was compounded by the retirement of 12 National MPs and six from other parties, and the wipe-out of New Zealand First's nine-strong caucus.
New Takanini MP Neru Leavasa is a South Auckland doctor and one of Labour's three new GPs joining the caucus.
The newly elected Labour party MPs pose on the steps of Parliament in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell
He said he would bring his experience to the team. He said his family were "really excited" for him.
"I'll be honest, I'm a little bit nervous. I'm here to learn," Leavasa said.
Rachel Boyack, who won the Nelson seat off longstanding incumbent National MP Nick Smith, said it was "an honour and a priviledge" to be voted in as a member of Parliament.
"I just want to acknowledge the incredible work that Nick Smith has done for the Nelson community over the years and I know I have some big shoes to fill.
"It was a four year job interview for me so I'm really humbled."
Whanganui MP Steph Lewis said she was happy to have her seat returned to Labour and she was ready to "get stuck in".
Helen White, who lost Auckland Central to Green MP Chloe Swarbrick but got into Parliament on the list at number 40, said it felt "wonderful" to be an MP.
Neru Leavasa is a South Auckland doctor and one of Labour's three new GPs joining the caucus. Photo / File
"I'm just thrilled to be here. I've spent about 27 years working as a lawyer and I've been working in a field where people have been really hurt by the way that we've [been] led and I just want to get in there and help fix it."
Rachel Boyack won the Nelson seat. Photo / File
New Zealand's first African MP, Ibrahim Omer, said that was a "huge privilege".
"It's something we don't take for granted because it comes with responsibility," Omer said.
Ahead of her first day at Parliament, new Labour MP Sarah Pallett - who secured a surprise victory over incumbent Gerry Brownlee in Christchurch's Ilam electorate - tweeted this morning: "We're on team. The work begins ... can't wait."
— Sarah Pallett - MP Elect for Ilam (@sarah4ilam) October 18, 2020
Pallett, speaking to Chris Lynch on Newstalk ZB from the Beehive, said she is still coming to terms with her historic win.
Ilam was thought to be a safe blue seat - Gerry Brownlee held the seat since 1996, and his loss over the weekend to Pallett was met with shock by both National and Labour supporters.
Pallett, a former midwife, won by a 2220 vote majority.
"The real work starts now," she said – that work included finding an office.
"People are ready for that change; people are ready to support Labour's mandate and appreciate the work done of the last three years.
"I've had some old clients reach out to me as well ... that has been absolutely delightful," she said.
"I'm at the Beehive now, it's pretty exciting."
Meanwhile, Christchurch East MP Poto Williams, who retained her seat, said she was "really pleased" Labour had received so much support in Christchurch, with 51.9 per cent of the party vote in Christchurch going to Labour.
"I think there is more certainty for the people of Christchurch," Williams told Newstalk ZB's Chris Lynch.
