[10] The day after Dunedin MP David Clark announced on 13 December 2022 that he would retire, Brooking said she would seek the Labour candidacy for the electorate in 2023,[11] for which she was selected.

[12] On 11 April 2023, Brooking was appointed as Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, and also allocated the associate environment and immigration portfolios.

[16] In late June 2024, the Department of Conservation delayed plans to create these six marine reserves, citing logistical concerns.

[17] During the 2023 election, she won the Dunedin electorate seat, defeating National's candidate Michael Woodhouse by a margin of 7,980 votes.

[18] In late November 2023, Brooking was given the environment, food safety, and space portfolios in the Shadow Cabinet of Chris Hipkins.