A man with strong ties to the North has been chosen to run for National in Northland.

Mark Osborne is based in Taipa, and works as an asset manager for the Far North District Council.

He'll stand in the by-election caused by Mike Sabin's resignation, in a race against New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, Labour's Willow-Jean Prime and the ACT Party's Robin Grieve.

The father-of-two says he'll maintain a strong local voice for Northland in the Key Government.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party says it's not running in the electorate for both practical and strategic reasons.

Founder Colin Craig says the party's first choice Mel Taylor - who ran for the seat in the general election - is busy taking care of a new baby.

Mr Craig says she has a fantastic following in the North.

"It's an electorate that gives us a good seven-percent odd party vote, so it's an important electorate for us."

"We certainly will be running her in the next general election, provided, of course, she's available."