Ferris confirms independent run for Te Tai Tonga, ruling out Te Pāti Māori return

Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris will recontest his seat as an independent at the 2026 election, he announced on 23 August. Ferris was expelled from Te Pāti Māori on 10 November 2025. As recently as March he had left open a possible return. He said a win would give Te Tai Tonga a voice "uncompromised by party politics." Without a party list, he must win the electorate outright to stay in Parliament.