It could be a close race for the Tamaki Makaurau seat in the general election

A new Maori Television poll shows Labour's Peeni Henare sitting at 35 percent, while the Maori Party's John Tamihere is 6 points behind on 29 percent.

The Green party's Marama Davidson is on 14 percent in the opinion of those who responded.

Mr Tamihere says a candidate vote for him ensures that three representatives from the electorate will be heading to Wellington.

He says his people understand they have two votes, and they're voting very smartly.