The by-election was caused by the death of incumbent MP Jerry Skinner of the Labour Party (and a likely future leader) on 26 April 1962.

The initial date of the by-election announced by the Prime Minister Keith Holyoake was 21 July, contrary to expectations it would be early to mid June, by extending the time allowed for the issue of the writ in order to coincide with another by-election in Timaru.

The Leader of the Opposition Walter Nash criticized the decision saying it was a "nullification of democracy" and motivated to place the election after the budget to allow the government to spend its money electioneering.

[3] The Social Credit Party were also critical of the decision claiming National were frightened following its decreased majorities at the recent by-elections in Hurunui and Waitaki.

[4] The decision to delay was later threatened on legal grounds by the Labour Party who challenged it in the Supreme Court.