Five candidates will contest by-election

The Te Tai Tokerau by-election - sparked by Hone Harawira resigning from Parliament - will be contested by five candidates. Photo / Janna Dixon

The Te Tai Tokerau by-election on June 25 will be contested by five candidates, the Electoral Commission said today after nominations closed.

They are the three already known - Hone Harawira, leader of the Mana Party, Labour's Kelvin Davis and the Maori Party's Tipene Solomon -- along with Kelvyn Alp representing OurNZ Party and the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party candidate Maki Herbert.

The by-election is the result of Mr Harawira resigning from Parliament after quitting the Maori Party and forming his own Mana Party.

He wants a mandate to represent Te Tai Tokerau in Parliament in his new position as leader of the Mana Party.

Mr Harawira says he has overwhelming support in the Far North electorate but the Maori Party is insisting it can take the seat.

A split vote could see Labour's candidate come through the middle.

- NZPA