Takutai Kemp extends lead in Tāmaki Makaurau recount

Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Tarsh Kemp has extended her lead in the Tāmaki Makaurau seat to confirm her appointment as the electorate's MP.

Judicial recount documents showed Kemp won the seat by 42 votes over Labour's Peeni Henare.

Speaking to Te Karere on the outcome, Kemp said it was an emotional time for her as well as her community.

“It’s a relief to know that officially, we can celebrate, and say that we’re the new MP of Tāmaki Makaurau."

When asked whether the news had sunk in for her, she said it will take the team “a little while".

“We’re here now, we can actually get in there and mahia te mahi (do the work)."

The results come after the release of special votes showed Kemp leading Henare in the electorate by four votes.

Henare won the seat in 2014 after former Māori Party co-leader Sir Pita Sharples vacated the seat and resigned from politics.

Speaking live from his Facebook page early Wednesday morning, Henare admits the recount "didn't come in our favour".

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"I'm at peace with that, that's why we go through this process... it's been the greatest honour and privilege serving as the MP for Tāmaki Makaurau."

Henare remains in Parliament as a list MP.