Former Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni will stand as an independent candidate for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate following her resignation from the Labour Party.
Under the Electoral Act, candidates cannot formally withdraw, nor can political parties replace them, after the close of nominations. Because of these legislative rules, Leoni’s name will remain printed alongside the Labour Party logo on the Tāmaki Makaurau ballot paper, the Labour Party list, EasyVote materials, and the official vote.nz website.
The Electoral Commission confirmed that any electorate votes cast for Leoni on election day will be fully counted.
Leoni said the choice to continue her campaign independently follows strong backing from the local community.
“I cannot ask people to believe in me if I am not prepared to stand up for what I believe in. So, on 7 November, the people of Tāmaki Makaurau will have their opportunity to decide. If they choose someone else, I will respect that decision wholeheartedly. But if they choose me, I will consider it the greatest privilege to serve them in Parliament,” Leoni said.
“The decision now belongs to the voters of Tāmaki Makaurau,” she added. “I have been overwhelmed by the messages, phone calls, and encouragement from whānau, supporters, and people across Tāmaki Makaurau asking me not to walk away.”