The by-election occurred on 18 February 1978, and was precipitated by the death of sitting National Party member of parliament Sir Roy Jack in December 1977.

Four names were put forward for the Labour Party nomination:[1] At a selection meeting held in Marton, Stewart won the candidacy.

[2] Stewart was a former teacher of Social Credit candidate Bruce Beetham's at New Plymouth Boys' High School who once gave him a caning.

Jack had planned to retire then, to be replaced as the candidate by the Minister of Education Les Gandar whose Ruahine seat was to be abolished in boundary changes.

A former member for Rangitikei, 72 year old Norman Shelton, aged 72, was tipped as a potential National candidate to "hold the fort" until the general election.