Labour announced yesterday Cherie Chapman, of Bluff, would stand in the Clutha-Southland electorate in the general election.
Another candidate, Andy Begg, of Milton, unsuccessfully sought the selection.
National's Todd Barclay - who recently fought off a selection challenge of his own - holds the ultra-safe National seat with a majority of more than 14,800 votes.
Ms Chapman is curator of a museum and information centre, and was previously an assistant principal at Buller High School.
``This large electorate is made up of strong communities and I will be working hard to make sure those voices are heard loud and clear,'' Ms Chapman said.
Two candidates also briefly vied to represent Labour in another rural seat, Waitaki, held by National's Jacqui Dean with a 16,668 vote majority.
One candidate had dropped out, leaving Jayden Cromb, whose selection would be confirmed in a couple of weeks.
``It is unusual for Labour to have contested selections in these seats,'' Mr Kirton said.
``I think that reflects a sense that Labour is on the rise and after nine years of National there is a mood for change.''
