Labour's Peeni Henare and Te Pāti Māori candidate Oriini Kaipara took part in a live debate tonight as voters head to the polling booths for Tāmaki by-elections.
During the debate both candidates hit out at the current government's policies and vowed to fight for Maori rights.
"We are standing against the changes being pushed against Māori," said Kaipara.
"When Māori are well, when we are thriving, Aotearoa itself is a much better place."
Henare said the goal was to make the current government a one-term government.
"We've got a very clear vision about what we believe will take Aoteraoa forward and we're looking forward to that challenge again, once we boot this lot out."
Kaipara also rejected the idea that she lacked the experience to take on the role.
"Just because I am not a seasoned career politician, make no mistake about it, being born Māori, you are born political. I have been political for 42 years of my life from the moment my Mum gave birth to me... I have lived experience."
National, Act, New Zealand First and the Greens have all opted out of running candidates for the east Auckland suburb.
The debate was hosted by broadcaster Julian Wilcox and journalist Māni Dunlop at Ōrākei Marae, Auckland.
Labour's Peeni Henare and Te Pāti Māori's Oriini Kaipara. Photo: YouTube / Newshub, RNZ / Angus Dreaver
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