Clarkson to Peters - save your money

New Tauranga MP Bob Clarkson says New Zealand First leader Winston Peters would be wasting money if he decided to challenge the final electorate result.

Mr Clarkson increased his election-night lead of 568 to 730 after the special votes were counted and announced on Saturday.

The National MP finished with 15,020 votes, well clear of Mr Peters, the former MP for Tauranga, on 14,290.

Mr Peters returned to Parliament as a list MP.

His campaign manager, John Foote, still believes Mr Clarkson spent well over his campaign budget of $20,000.

"It's even gone over $33,000," said Mr Foote.

"I've completed the work I was asked to do and I now wait to hear what Winston wants to do about it."

Mr Clarkson is adamant his spending did not go over the limit.

"We left a big enough margin to cover the expenses in dispute and I'll be saddened if Winny and his supporters waste their money [on a petition]."

An electoral petition to the High Court has to be lodged within 28 days of the official result. If it is successful, a by-election is held.

Mr Clarkson said he was keen to stand in Tauranga again.

"I'm planning on two terms," said the 66-year-old millionaire commercial builder.

But Mr Clarkson was sad he would be part of an opposition party rather than in government.

"I want to stay another term under National and help put the country on the right track."

The new MP also plans to work to get Tauranga's Harbour Link roading project built without tolls.

National took the biggest share of the party vote in Tauranga - 16,559 votes, or 45 per cent. Labour captured 11,055 votes, or 30 per cent, and NZ First slipped back to 4851, or 13 per cent.

- NZPA