Field's electorate committee sticks with Labour

Former Labour MP Taito Phillip Field's electorate committee has decided to remain with Labour.

The committee met last night to decide its future after Mr Field recently resigned from Labour to become an independent MP after his expulsion from the Labour caucus.

The electorate committee had been strongly supportive of Mr Field but Mangere electorate chair Tafafunaui Tase Lauese today told Radio New Zealand it was staying with Labour and would stand candidates in local elections.

Mr Field did not did not attend the meeting. He has previously said he may stand in Mangere as an independent at next year's election.

Labour Party chief whip Tim Barnett attended the meeting with colleagues who have been looking after the electorate Dave Hereora and Darien Fenton.

Mr Barnett told Radio New Zealand the committee decided it was time to move on. At the last meeting attendees vented feelings but last night the mood was future-focused.

"What they are now saying is 'fine, Taito's moved on we're with Labour. There's a local body election to win, there's a general election to win next year and we are in it for the long haul," Mr Barnett said.

Mr Lauese said the priority was to put forward good candidates.

Police have finished a six month investigation into allegations about Mr Field and their file is with lawyers now before they announce whether to lay charges or not.

Mr Field is accused of helping people with immigration matters for personal gain.

- NZPA