Labour's candidates for Tauranga and Bay of Plenty are backing Jacinda Ardern as the new deputy of the opposition party.
Labour will be electing a new deputy leader after long-serving MP and former Minister of Health Annette King decided to step down and retire from Parliament, leader Andrew Little has announced.
"It's a decision I've made. I've achieved what I've wanted to achieve. I feel I've done my work," Mrs King told Newstalk ZB.
Mr Little said he would be nominating Jacinda Ardern, newly elected to the Mt Albert seat, as his new deputy when the caucus meets next Tuesday.
"Annette has been a wonderful deputy since I became leader. She's tirelessly supported me and I've really appreciated her wise advice, humour and huge experience.