Harawira's decision to force a by-election so close to the general election incited criticism.

[4] Harawira announced his new Mana Party on 30 April 2011, also stating that he intended to resign from parliament to force a by-election before the coming 2011 general election.

[5] After generating several days of media interest and criticism,[6][7] Harawira announced on 4 May 2011 that he was delaying his resignation in order to consult his supporters in his electorate.

[11] Many politicians and political commentators criticised the by-election because it would occur so close to the general election.

That by-election was held on 17 April and the subsequent general election on 7 November, after Winston Peters resigned first from the National Party, following disagreements with its leadership, and then as an MP in order to seek a "fresh mandate" for his views.

Pink background denotes a candidate elected from their party list prior to the by-election.