Winston Peters to stand in Northland by-election

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has confirmed he will compete in the Northland by-election.

Mr Peters this afternoon said Northland needed "a real voice" who could "hit the ground running".

He said he was born in Northland, educated there, owned a home there for decades and played for sports teams in the region.

The electorate had been neglected by the Government, he said, and it should be "the Florida of New Zealand".

The Northland seat was vacated by National MP Mike Sabin, who stood down last month for "personal reasons".

The by-election will take place on March 28.