te Heuheu to retire from politics

National MP Georgina te Heuheu will retire from politics at the end of the current term. 

"Now is a good time to go. The National Party is in good heart. It has strong leadership. The National Government has outlined a credible programme for New Zealand's future, and it's now time for family and friends," Mrs te Heuheu said.

"I came in under MMP at a time when the National Government had embarked on an ambitious programme to settle Treaty injustices and to work to lift Māori participation in the economy and society. I'm proud to have been part of this key policy direction as I strongly believe it has set the course for a strong and enduring future for all New Zealanders."

"I have had 15 great years as a Member of the National Party Caucus. I have served under three Prime Ministers. Jim Bolger was Prime Minister when I came in and I have had the privilege to serve twice in Cabinet, first under Jenny Shipley and now under John Key."

"I've endeavoured to do this by promoting reasoned debate and hopefully, exercising a degree of calm, and quiet determination," she said.

"I am very proud to have served in the current Cabinet in this term. John Key has a very keen sense of what it takes to build a dynamic, inclusive society and I'll be working hard up to the election to ensure he gets the chance to carry that leadership on for our country.

"I also hope New Zealanders give him a good mandate to pursue a vision for New Zealand that recognises that every New Zealander has an important role to play in building a strong nation.

"Politics is a brutal game at times. I have tried to focus on the issues rather than personalities. Politics can be all-encompassing and often you forget there are other things in life.

"I know there are other challenges out there, but for now I'm looking forward to going home and enjoying my family. I only hope they're looking forward to the same thing."

Prime Minister John Key thanked Mrs te Heuheu for her public service after news of her retirement at the election.

“Georgina has been a valued member of this Government, where she has held the portfolios of Courts, Pacific Island Affairs, Disarmament and Arms Control, and Associate Maori Affairs,” says Mr Key.

“She was also a Minister in 1998 and 1999, after entering Parliament in 1996.

“I want to thank Georgina for the contribution she has made in her career in national politics over the last 15 years, and also for her public service in a myriad of other roles.

Mrs te Heuheu was the first Maori woman to gain a law degree and be admitted to the High Court as barrister and solicitor.

She became the first Maori woman to gain election as an MP for the National Party; the first Maori woman to chair the Maori Affairs Select Committee, and only the second Maori woman to be appointed to Cabinet.  Mrs te Heuheu was awarded a QSO for public service in 1993.

Mr Key said she will continue in her ministerial portfolios until the election.