Updated 5.53pm: Winston Peters is having a crack at the Northland seat.

The New Zealand First leader turns 70 in April and says he was born and bred there.

Mr Peters says it's time Northland took its rightful place, rather than being the home of the poor and unemployed.

"This is not how Northland used to be when it was once one of the jewels of this country. In many ways Northland should be the Florida of New Zealand. That's why I've responded to the calls and put it all on the line in Northland."

Mr Peters says Northland has been ignored he says he comes with experience to ensure the region's growth.

He says he's not asking them to back someone with L plates on.

Mr Peters says he's got the experience, the knowledge and the energy to win the seat.

Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper says Mr Peters is seen as being in the middle of the political spectrum.

"He's gone every which way when it comes to joining in with Labour and National, so if anyone can win this electorate, it would have to be Winston Peters."

Barry Soper has been at a news conference at parliament.

"He said that he had recieved many requests to stand. He was born there, educated there and has a home there so he is well qualified."

The last time he was in a constituent MP was in Tauranga.

National's on the attack after Winston Peters announced he's standing for the Northland by-election.

The government only holds a slim majority in Parliament, and needs to hold on to the electorate.

Senior Minister Steven Joyce says the New Zealand First leader isn't the one to solve Northland's problems.

"He's been a politician for 40 years now. If he was ever going to be a solution in any region in the country, he would have been by now."

He says Mr Peters isn't strong enough on the development Northland needs, including RMA reforms, roading upgrades, and broadband.

Labour's ruling out a tactical withdrawal in the Northland by-election.

Some commentators have speculated Labour could strengthen Mr Peters' chances by pulling out Willow Jean-Prime.

But party leader Andrew Little says there's absolutely no chance.

"She's been organising her campaign for some weeks now, we've had the launch and she's well underway."

He says it should still be a hotly contested competition.

He says he was in Northland over the weekend, and felt people were annoyed, and feeling neglected.

A win for Winston Peters in Northland would give New Zealand First another list MP.

The National Party announces its candidate tomorrow.