Tākuta Ferris won by 2,824 votes in 2023. Just 1,412 voters switching to Te Pāti Māori would have flipped Te Tai Tonga.
In the news
Coverage naming Te Tai Tonga or Tākuta, from our tracked feeds.
The roster
The defender's record, and who's confirmed to challenge them in 2026.
Won Te Tai Tonga by a majority of 2,824 in 2023, making it a marginal seat.
Tākuta "Doc" Ferris is a New Zealand politician, currently representing Te Tai Tonga in the New Zealand House of Representatives as an independent. He was elected at the 2023 general election as a Te Pāti Māori candidate. Ferris was expelled from the party in November 2025.
From Parliament's official bills record, as at 28 August 2026.
Members' bill in the ballot (1)
Treaty of Waitangi (Empowerment of Waitangi Tribunal) Amendment Bill
Written questions to Ministers this term
What is this, and why does it matter to you?
Any MP can put a written question to a Minister, demanding information on the record. The Minister must reply, usually within days. It costs nothing and needs no debate, which makes it the main day-to-day tool MPs use to hold the government to account between bills. It matters most for opposition MPs, who can't pass laws but can still force information into the open. Which Ministers an MP questions most, below, is a numbers-based picture of what they watch on your behalf, and it's worth comparing against what they say they prioritise.
12written questions asked since the 2023 election
Where it's gone, by Minister
Minister of Health
12
Read 5 recent questions & replies, in Tākuta’s and the Minister’s own words
2023 result and margin: Electoral Commission. 2026 candidates are added only once officially confirmed — never assumed.
"What is the current average wait time from GP referral to first specialist assessment for suspected gynaecological cancers in the Southern region, and how does this compare to national clinical guidance recommending assessment within four weeks?"
Reply: I am advised that current average wait time from GP referral to first specialist assessment for suspected gynaecological cancers in South Island region: • Nelson Marlborough: 18.6 days • South Canterbury: 18.4 days • Southern: 26.9 days • West Coast: 53.87 day. I am further advised that the West Coast average wait time is heavily distorted by the low number of patients. In addition, Canterbury district does not disaggregate data between gynaecological services, so this information cannot be accu…
To the Minister of Health · 2026-04-10
"What advice has the Minister received on the clinical impact of delays beyond four weeks for aggressive gynaecological cancers, including effects on staging, treatment options, and survival outcomes?"
Reply: Titles of advice that I have received that support delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders have been, or will be, proactively released on the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand and Pharmac websites: https://www.health.govt.nz/information-releases/lists-of-advice-provided-to-ministers https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/publications https://pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/official-information-act/list-of-ministerial-briefings.
To the Minister of Health · 2026-04-10
"What is the current number of practising gynaecological oncologists in the Southern region, expressed in full-time equivalents, and how has this changed over the past five years?"
Reply: I refer the Member to the attached table.
To the Minister of Health · 2026-04-10
"Is the Minister satisfied that current staffing levels for gynaecological oncology in the Southern region are sufficient to provide safe, timely, and equitable care; if so, on what evidence is that assessment based?"
Reply: I am advised that Health New Zealand is developing a clinical service plan for gynaecological oncology across New Zealand which will ultimately ease pressure across the system. I am further advised that Health NZ continues to maximise capacity. Recent progress includes: • Two full-time gynaecologists have been employed, commencing mid-2026. • An additional 103 colposcopy procedures have been completed in 2026 as at 14 April, with a further 60 planned. • Increased access to theatre (inhouse and p…
To the Minister of Health · 2026-04-10
"How many vacant gynaecological oncology positions currently exist in the Southern region, how long have they been vacant, and what recruitment efforts are underway to fill them?"
Reply: I am advised that Health New Zealand does not aggregate data down to the specificity of gynaecological oncologist; however, these roles sit under the Senior Medical Officer occupational grouping.
