National MP Katie Nimon says she'd hate women being put off becoming a politician if parents weren't welcome in Parliament. 

NZ First Napier candidate Stuart Nash sent a text calling opponent Nimon one of the laziest MPs he'd come across, and claimed she'd taken nine months off on full pay.

Nimon went on Parliamentary leave last year, days before giving birth.

She says she took 10 weeks off, then returned to electorate work, and was back in Parliament after six months.

She says MPs countrywide take time off. 

"We don't want to make anyone thinking that they're doing that job that they can't take time with their family."

Nash says he has real respect for any working parent raising a newborn alongside a demanding job.

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