The Mana Party's organisation on the ground in Waiariki is strong enough to win the electorate, leader Hone Harawira says.
Party president Annette Sykes came second in the seat to Te Ururoa Flavell by 1800 votes in 2011.
Mr Harawira has told Radio New Zealand Ms Sykes is expected to stand again this year. He says she has already door-knocked the entire electorate, and is building a better on-the-ground organisation than he has in Te Taitokerau.
In his view, that groundwork, coupled with the Maori Party's relationship with National, put Ms Sykes in a good position to win.