The Labour Party has chosen senior public servant Peeni Henare as its candidate for the Tamaki Makaurau seat.
The drawn-out process included Labour reopening nominations when it ruled out a former Television New Zealand executive, Shane Taurim, as a contender.
Mr Henare has worked for the Social Development Ministry since 2001 and is also a trustee of Ngati Hine Forestry Trust.
Labour Party president Moira Coatsworth said Mr Henare is fluent in te reo and has a background in public and community services.
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples won the seat at 2011 election with a 936-vote majority, but is resigning from politics.
The election will be held on 20 September.
