The Maori Party says it has about four people interested in standing for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate.
A by-election will be held on 29 June.
The eastern Maori seat became vacant after the death of the Labour MP, Parekura Horomia.
The Maori Party co-leader, Tariana Turia, says it's exciting that people want to stand - but the process still has some way to go.
She says the hopefuls are filling out forms and getting police clearance before they go before their people, and before a party committee makes the final decision.
Mrs Turia says the quality of the people coming forward is great.
She says a Maori Party candidate is due to be chosen by Sunday.