Māori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell is beating former weather presenter Tamati Coffey in the first public poll of the Waiariki electorate.

The Māori Television-Reid Research poll shows Mr Flavell has 60.1 percent of the vote, and Mr Coffey has 39.9.

Winning the seat is crucial for the Māori Party as it would secure its future in Parliament.