Former TVNZ reporter hints at byelection bid

Labour MP Winnie Laban has been in Parliament since 1999. Photo / Dean Purcell

Former television political reporter Kris Faafoi is among the potential Labour candidates for the byelection in the seat of Mana in the Porirua area.

Incumbent MP Winnie Laban announced this week that she will stand down in October to take up a position at Victoria University. A byelection is expected to be held in November.

Yesterday, Mr Faafoi, who recently became chief press secretary to Labour Party leader Phil Goff, said he was not ruling out an attempt to move into Parliament.

"People have spoken to me [about standing in Mana], but I haven't given it a lot of serious consideration."

Mr Faafoi lives in Wellington but has strong family links to the Mana area.

He previously worked as a senior reporter at TVNZ.

Other names that have been mentioned include:

* Taima Fagaloa, Porirua City Councillor, Pacific Health Director and Capital & Coast District Health Board member.

* Porirua Deputy Mayor Litea Ah Hoi.

* Former Progressive candidate and Labour supporter Josie Pagani.

Labour Party president Andrew Little ruled himself out, saying he was "committed to New Plymouth".

National Party list MP Hekia Parata, who lost to Ms Laban in 2008, has said she will offer to stand for National.

The Green Party has confirmed it will be standing a candidate, though co-leader Metiria Turei said it had yet to consider who it might be.

NZ First and Act said they would discuss the issue in coming weeks.

Labour won 2508 party votes more than National in Mana last election.