"What's really amazed me about the electorate is the team of volunteers that support me. Without them my name and my profile wouldn't have got out there."
This election will mark the first time the mother of five and grandmother of 15 has run for Parliament. Asked why she made the call to enter politics, Apiata said the attraction of Advance NZ co-leader Billy Te Kahika and his social media postings led her to the decision.
"I think Billy's korero inspired me, I liked what he said," Apiata said.
"I liked that he wasn't afraid to say the things that we all wanted to say. I trust his spirituality, I'm a spiritual person myself."
Apiata believes the current government has failed in its delivery for New Zealanders.
"Laws have been created that have removed all our rights, freedoms and privileges. This is the moment to decide and agree on the current mainstream narrative or the overall narrative.
"This is the time to be proactively open to the possibility of another reality."
Apiata wouldn't be drawn on whether or not she was confident in winning the seat, but said if she did she would set up an office and "probably" move to the electorate.
"For me this is about people. I support all iwi, all hapū. My job is to support all people.
"My heart is for all people, my heart is in the right place."