No seats for those who switched

Party-hoppers were punished by the voters: none of the nine bidding for re-election was successful.

Labour and the Alliance are poised to change the law and force MPs who leave their parties to resign, and voters clearly showed their disapproval of defectors.

Alamein Kopu, who ditched the Alliance to become an Independent, received 244 votes in the new Maori electorate of Waiariki. Her party, Mana Wahine, did not get any votes because it failed to make the deadline for being listed on ballot papers.

Mauri Pacific leader Tau Henare and fellow New Zealand First defectors Tukoroirangi Morgan, Rana Waitai and Anne Batten will all be looking for new jobs, with Anne Batten getting the fewest votes - 248 in Manurewa.

Tuariki Delamere, who found his way from New Zealand First to Independent to Te Tawharau, failed in a spirited bid for Waiariki.

Former Alliance MP Frank Grover's switch to the Christian Heritage Party this year saw him come sixth in Tauranga.

Two more Alliance defectors, Green co-leaders Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald, enjoyed more success but still could not secure a seat as Greens.

Jeanette Fitzsimons still has a slim hope of winning Coromandel on special votes but Mr Donald was a clear third in Banks Peninsula with 3321 votes.