The endangered MP list

Even if New Zealanders vote themselves a few extra MPs on Saturday, some of the current crop will be packing their bags rejected.

At least one entire caucus of nine MPs faces oblivion - Act's - but others from some of the smaller parties, who were unknown before being elected, will be job hunting on Monday with profiles barely higher after three years.

Because National performed so poorly last election, securing less than 21 per cent of the party vote for 27 MPs, those within its current crop who are not retiring should all be back.

Marc Alexander, 4 on United Future's list

About as hardline as you can get on law and order issues - likes chemical castration for serial rapists. A French-trained restaurateur, he sells a "politically incorrect" cookbook on his website.

Lesley Soper, 45 on Labour list

Forget gone by lunch-time, she barely had time for morning tea. Soper - of the famous southern clan - only arrived in Parliament this year, replacing Speaker Jonathan Hunt when he was shipped to London as High Commissioner. She has tried and tried and tried again to be an MP.

Georgina Beyer, 35 on Labour list

A poor Labour finish to the campaign could spell the end for the world's first elected transsexual MP. Beyer dithered about whether or not to stay in Parliament, so is not contesting Wairarapa again. Labour will need to secure around 42 MPs for her to be elected off the list.

Nandor Tanczos, 7 on Green Party list

Looking shaky, but will survive if the Greens can stop their vote flicking across to Labour. His dreadlocked, skateboarding style has made him popular with younger voters but he has also impressed in Parliament with his grasp of justice issues, sometimes.

Mike Ward, 8 on Green Party list

His sartorial elegance, particularly the stovepipe pants, ties and little bit of facial hair, has raised eyebrows. Very popular within the Greens but a lower profile outside Nelson. Likes those reclining bicycles.

Craig McNair, 11 on New Zealand First list

Parliament's virgin, truly - he said it - will leave a changed man. His impact includes trying to get Nandor arrested for smoking cannabis, a scandalous relationship with a Labour secretary but, finally, a love match with Auckland teacher Kerry Lowe, whom he married last year.

Bill Gudgeon, 13 on NZ First list

An old soldier, he says he never knew any gays in the Army. A strong Christian, he described civil unions as an "abomination to mankind". Otherwise, has said little, perhaps because Winston told him in politics you "learn to breathe through your nose before you open your mouth".

Paul Adams, electorate candidate

He and his beauty queen daughter Sharee both quit United Future's list last month and Mr Adams has gone independent. A conservative Christian and a former rally car driver, he says one person can make a difference but does not put himself in the same league as Mother Teresa or the late Sir Peter Blake.

Gerry Eckhoff, 8 on Act's list

Famous for promoting the farming of kiwis, which just doesn't feel right, and undying campaign against the fart tax. Once asked: "Does the minister believe in the latest Green initiative that peppering parks with the private parts of possums protects parks properly."

Matt Robson, 2 on the Progressives' list

Stuck with Jim Anderton when the Alliance splintered. An ardent campaigner on social justice and civil liberties to rival the Greens' Keith Locke which, whether you agree with him or not, will leave a gap in Parliament.

John Tamihere, Labour, electorate candidate only

A man embraced by red-blooded men but not cat lovers. His Labour campaign biography still lists his Cabinet jobs even though he lost them amid the golden handshake row. Punted his future on winning Tamaki Makaurau, shunning the list, but trails Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples.

Rodney Hide, 1 on Act's list

He has given it his all, trying to get National to subsidise his return to Parliament in Epsom. But has come unstuck thanks to the left backing Richard Worth to try to kill off Act. Raises the question of whether Act should have stuck with wily old campaigner Richard Prebble.