Ferris to recontest Te Tai Tonga as independent

Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris will stand as an independent at the 2026 election, he confirmed on 23 August. Expelled from Te Pāti Māori last November, he had until March left open a possible return. He said a win would give the seat a voice "uncompromised by party politics." With no party list placing, he must win the electorate outright to remain in Parliament.