Quirk of Mt Albert's by-election

Yesterday's by-election in Mt Albert had one quirky feature - none of the four main candidates could vote in it, but the former MP who held it and who now lives overseas could.

Labour's David Shearer has just returned to New Zealand and is currently staying with his mother on the North Shore so therefore was not enrolled in Mt Albert.

National's Melissa Lee and ACT's John Boscawen both live elsewhere in Auckland and the Green's Russel Norman is based in Wellington.

They were fighting for the seat vacated by former prime minister Helen Clark, who does still have a house in the electorate.

However she is now resident in New York with her new job running the United Nations Development Programme.

Miss Clark is currently visiting some of the regions she has responsibility for, but would still be eligible to vote under electoral law.

Labour leader Phil Goff laughed when told by NZPA about this feature of the by-election.

"If anyone could figure out how to get her vote in wherever she maybe, then it will be Helen," Mr Goff said.

"No one will be wondering which way she will be voting."

Mr Shearer has now bought a house in the electorate and is planning to move in shortly with his family.

- NZPA