"This by-election result was a message to the government to listen to all New Zealand, not just minority lobby groups," he said.
Maori Party co-leader and Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell said the key issues in Northland - like housing, inter-generational poverty and the need for more jobs in the area - were mirrored across provincial New Zealand.
"I think the by-election is a good wake up call for National. I'm keen to ensure more resources get to regions like Northland and the Bay of Plenty."
But, he said infrastructure upgrades in Northland were already on the Government's agenda "so it's unfortunate that the region saw these announcements as bribes. If National had announced these positive initiatives before the by-election they probably would have received more political support".
Rotorua MP Todd McClay said it was an opportunity to take stock and further consider policy that will continue to help regions develop and grow.
He said Mr Peters campaigned extremely well, had high name recognition and "as rogues go, he's likeable".
"At every election candidates and parties make campaign pledges. I did so last year when I committed to a $6 million Rotorua Child Health Centre of Excellence. All parties, including National and New Zealand First, made pledges in the Northland campaign."
Mr McClay said he had helped Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty gain roading infrastructure spending in excess of $1 billion.
"We also created a trades academy and additional places for Maori trades training just prior to the election last year."
He said Rotorua had also benefited from a new hospital, the Children's Team to help vulnerable children, the Rotorua Education Initiative, funds to promote tourism, a multi-million dollar injection into Rotorua's 74km cycleway, support for Rotorua's QE Health and $700,000 to support Crankworx.
Prime Minister John Key admitted he underestimated Mr Peters' potential to win the seat when interviewed on Radio New Zealand yesterday.
"But what did happen was they thought, 'hey, here's an opportunity to give the Government a bit of a black eye, so yeah we don't like Winston Peters but the hell with that, we'll go out and vote for him because that will ensure the Government takes a loss'."
- Additional reporting NZME.