Meka Whaitiri insists her Maori constituents will understand her decision to defect to Te Paati Maori from Labour.

The Ikaroa Rawhiti MP told TVNZ her decision was driven by a deep desire to return home.

Meka Whaitiri will make her return to Parliament on Tuesday as an independent MP and intends to make a statement in the debating chamber.

Max Towle spoke to RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch.