Labour MP Mita Ririnui to leave Parliament

Mita Ririnui. File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Labour list MP Mita Ririnui has announced he will leave Parliament at the end of this year to pursue new opportunities working with his people in the Bay of Plenty.

Mr Ririnui said it was time to work on some "new challenges".

"My focus will be on leading Tauranga iwi through the settlement process and providing them with any guidance and assistance they may need. I also intend to be involved in the post-settlement challenges that iwi will be confronted with. These are exciting times," he said.

"It's been a wonderful 12 years, many of which I spent as a Minister helping shape policies designed to improve the lives of Maori throughout the country. It doesn't get any better than that."

Mr Ririnui was born and raised in Tauranga and represented Waiariki from 1999 till 2005. He has previously served as Associate Minister of Treaty Negotiations, Health, Corrections and Forestry.

"It was a highlight of my career to be given the opportunity to move the address and reply motion in 1999, effectively launching nine years of the Labour Government.

"I appreciate the experiences and opportunities I've had during my time here. I'm proud of my achievements and I wish my Labour colleagues all the best for the upcoming election."

Mr Ririnui was stripped of his Forestry shadow portfolio last year after he was found to have used his ministerial credit card to buy golf clubs and a bike.

At the time, Labour Leader Phil Goff said the purchases were clearly personal and showed poor judgement, though Mr Ririnui reimbursed Ministerial Services at the time.

Today, Mr Goff wished Mr Ririnui all the best for the future.

"I'd like to acknowledge the contribution that Mita has made to the Labour caucus during his 12 years in Parliament, particularly the work he has done on behalf of the Maori community and the Ratana movement. He is a valued member of our team," he said.

"It's a tough decision but one that I respect. I wish Mita all the best with his life outside Parliament and the contribution he will undoubtably make supporting iwi in his Bay of Plenty community through the settlement process."

- NZHERALD STAFF