Auckland, NZ – August 5, 2025 – The upcoming Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, scheduled for September 6, 2025, has taken an intriguing turn with the announcement that Kelvyn Alp, a controversial political figure and leader of the NZ Loyal party, will be standing as a candidate. This by-election, triggered by the untimely death of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp on June 26, 2025, is shaping up to be a closely watched contest in the Māori electorate covering central and southern Auckland.
Kelvyn Alp is no stranger to New Zealand politics or public controversy. A former soldier and self-described advocate for sovereignty and constitutional reform, Alp has previously run for office, including contesting the Te Tai Tokerau by-election in 2011 under the OurNZ Party banner. His political stances often stir debate, with a focus on challenging the status quo and addressing issues of governance and Māori rights from a unique perspective. As the founder of NZ Loyal, a party emphasizing national sovereignty and opposition to perceived overreaches of government power, Alp’s entry into the Tāmaki Makaurau race introduces a wildcard element to an already competitive field.
The Electoral Commission recently confirmed that five candidates will be contesting the by-election, though specific names beyond Alp have not been detailed in all announcements. Reports from local media, such as the Times, indicate a diverse lineup of contenders vying to represent Tāmaki Makaurau voters. Among the known candidates are high-profile figures such as Te Pāti Māori’s Oriini Kaipara, a former broadcaster, and Labour’s likely nominee, Peeni Henare, who previously held the seat before losing it by a mere 42 votes to Kemp in the 2023 general election.
Alp’s decision to run under the NZ Loyal banner is likely to draw attention due to the party’s fringe status and his history of polarizing rhetoric. NZ Loyal gained some traction in the 2023 election, securing a modest number of votes as noted in public sentiment on social media platforms like X, though it remains a minor player in the broader political landscape. Alp’s campaign is expected to focus on issues of sovereignty, individual rights, and criticism of mainstream political parties, themes that have resonated with a small but vocal base of supporters. The Tāmaki Makaurau by-election is already steeped in political significance, with editorial commentary from outlets like the NZ Herald suggesting that behind-the-scenes dynamics involving key Māori political figures such as Willie Jackson and John Tamihere could influence the outcome.
The electorate’s history of tight races—evidenced by the razor-thin margin in 2023—means every candidate, including Alp, could play a role in shaping the final result. While Alp’s candidacy may not position him as a frontrunner, his presence adds another layer of complexity to the race. Political observers will be watching to see how his platform resonates with voters in an electorate known for its strong cultural identity and historical allegiance to parties like Labour and Te Pāti Māori.
With just over a month until polling day, the campaign trail in Tāmaki Makaurau promises to be a battleground of ideas, identities, and aspirations for the future of Māori representation in Parliament. As the by-election approaches, all eyes will be on how candidates, including Kelvyn Alp and NZ Loyal, navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of this pivotal contest. For now, the electorate braces for a spirited and unpredictable race to fill the void left by the late Takutai Tarsh Kemp.