Leoni is still a Labour candidate

Radio NZ reports:

Kerrin Leoni says she will sit as an independent MP if she wins the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate.

With nominations closed, Leoni’s name remains on the ballot with Labour’s name and logo.

Under the Electoral Act she is still an official candidate for Labour. This means if she does win the seat, it is credited to Labour, and they will get one fewer List MP as a result.

The writ delivered to the Clerk of the House will declare her a Labour MP. She will then have to notify the Speaker that she wishes to become an Independent MP. If she does, then in theory Labour could try to use the waka jumping law against her. However this is very unlikely.