Two 1885 by-elections were held in the electorate of Tauranga to replace the sitting member in 1885, during the term of the 9th Parliament.

William Kelly stood and came second in both by-elections. He had come second for the electorate in the two previous general elections in 1881 election and 1884 election, and was finally elected in the 1887 election.

The first by–election was held on 22 May after the resignation of George Morris when he was appointed the Legislative Council, and was won by John Sheehan. After Kelly asked for a scrutiny of the votes, Sheehan's majority was reduced from 15 to 12.

The second by–election was held on 11 July after the death of John Sheehan on 12 June, Lawrence Grace won the seat.