Metiria Turei has returned to the election stage with a speech decrying how cruel and unfair New Zealand has become.

The Green MP has spoken at an anti-poverty rally in the Otara town centre in south Auckland this afternoon.

It was her first significant role in the Green campaign since she stood down as co-leader five weeks ago.

Around 200 people attended the rally, including actor and Green Party supporter Robyn Malcolm.

Some in the crowd held signs saying "I Stand With Metiria" and there were loud cheers when Turei rose to speak.

Ms Turei became tearful when speaking about the response to her controversial admission that she once lied to Work and Income to hold on to her benefit - the revelation that later led to her resignation.

In her speech, she said the country has become mean and unfair.

Unless Ms Turei wins her electorate seat, where she has been campaigning, she will leave Parliament after next weekend's election.