The by-election was caused by the resignation of incumbent MP Bill Sullivan of the National Party for personal reasons on 13 February 1957.

[2][3] Reginald Joseph Pedley stood for the Liberal Federation, a newly created party.

The president of the Liberal Federation, James Hill-Motion, stated that the party planned to use the by-election campaign to advertise its policies to New Zealanders.

[6] On 11 March a selection meeting of about 140 branch delegates in Whakatane was held and chose Allen as the party candidate for the by-election.

[7] The following table gives the election results: The by-election was won by Allen who remained MP for the electorate until he retired in 1975.