Labour MP George Hawkins is batting away claims his position as MP for Manurewa is under threat.
It was revealed that Jerome Mika from the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, who was well known in the Pacific community, was considering contesting the Labour Party nomination for the seat.
In a letter delivered to TVNZ's political editor, the now suspended Labour MP Chris Carter alleged Hawkins was threatening a by-election if he didn't get backing from the party.
But Labour leader Phil Goff said Hawkins was well supported.
"From time to time we have seen people contesting a selection against a sitting member. But I am confident that George is well supported by the people in his electorate and that he would be confident of being elected even if it was contested," said Goff.
Hawkins claims he will easily win the nomination. He had a majority of almost 7,000 votes in 2008.
