A woman with Wanganui connections wants to help "make lives easier" when she takes her place in Parliament in the new year.
Joanne Hayes will become a National Party list MP on January 27, replacing retiring MP Katrina Shanks.
Ms Hayes, who is of Ngati Porou, Ati Haunui A Paparangi and Rangitane Ki Wairarapa descent, is director of community relations at UCOL Whanganui.
She was previously chief executive of Maori development organisation, Nga Tai O Te Awa, and director of Maori health at Whanganui District Health Board.
Ms Hayes told the Chronicle she was surprised and excited when she was phoned on Monday and asked if she wished to take Ms Shanks' place in Parliament.