Steph Lewis: 'We will win this seat in 2020'

A pensive Steph Lewis with her husband Rob. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

She may be down - but she's definitely not out.

Whanganui's Labour candidate Steph Lewis may have lost to National's Harete Hipango by 1800 votes, but she's determined to contest the seat again at the next election.

"I'm committed. We can win this seat in 2020," Ms Lewis said.

"I'm a first-time candidate, up against strong candidates from the Greens and NZ First - but I still managed to halve National's majority in Whanganui."

During an emotional speech to about 100 supporters who had gathered at the Grand Hotel in St Hill St, Ms Lewis described the campaign as "one heck of a ride".

"I'm so proud of what we have achieved," she said.

Choking back tears, Ms Lewis acknowledged her campaign team and her family, making particular mention of her 14-year-old sister, who had helped with campaigning, her husband, and her father.

"Dad taught me to stand up and fight for what I believe in. That is what I have done, and what I will continue to do."

Ms Lewis said the result was "not what we had hoped for".

"But we gave them a damned good run for their money. We ran a relentlessly positive campaign."

And she had a message for Ms Hipango.

"I call on you to represent all of our people, especially those who have nowhere to sleep tonight, those who are struggling to access healthcare, and those who are alienated from the education system."

After her speech, Ms Lewis spoke individually with her supporters - who included Whanganui mayor and former Labour candidate Hamish McDouall, former mayor Annette Main, and deputy mayor Jenny Duncan - then went to congratulate Ms Hipango.

As for her immediate future, Ms Lewis hasn't made any plans yet.

"I've been taking things one day at a time. But I'll probably have a day off tomorrow - I haven't had one of those for a while."