New Zealand First will not be standing a candidate in the Mt Roskill by-election, party leader Winston Peters has announced.
“Despite a serious number of potential candidates coming forward we will be focusing our resources on the election that matters – the 2017 General Election,” Peters said in a statement released today .
“The Mt Roskill by-election was brought about by the electorate MP deciding to pursue a new job. He cut the cord with his electorate, despite having promised to serve them for the full three-year term, and triggered the by-election.
“The MP’s pursuit of personal glory will cost the taxpayer well over a million dollars.
“It’s disappointing for New Zealand taxpayers that this has come about.”
The decision was made by the New Zealand First Party board last night.