[3] Before being elected to Parliament, she worked in the health industry, as well as at Māori development organisation Ngā Tai O te Awa.

[4] During the 2011 general election, Hayes ran for National in Dunedin South,[5] and was ranked 64th place on the party list.

[15] During the 2017 general election, Hayes contested Christchurch East against incumbent Poto Williams and was defeated by a margin of 7,480 votes.

[17] In the 52nd New Zealand Parliament, National was in Opposition and Hayes served as her party's spokesperson for Māori development and Whānau Ora.

[27] Hayes is of Ngāti Porou, Ati Haunui A Paparangi, and Rangitane ki Wairarapa descent.