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Labour MP Georgina Beyer has once again had a change of heart about retiring from politics, saying she is seeking a slot on the party list.
Wairarapa MP Ms Beyer announced in March she was quitting national politics at the end of this term, as she felt constrained by parliamentary life
and wanted a break.
In 2001 she also said she would retire, citing Parliament's unpleasant working environment and personal attacks as the reason.
She also dithered over foreshore and seabed legislation, which she initially opposed, then said she would support.
But she told National Radio today she could still add value to her party in Parliament.
Last month's Destiny Church rally had got her hugely motivated, New Zealand's first transsexual MP said.
"There are some challenges coming forward from some factions in society and I want to be there to meet those challenges," she said.
"It is time for me to move on from the Wairarapa to leave it clear for a new selection. I have served the area for what will be six years as an MP and another six years in local government," she said.
Ms Beyer said her falling out with her electorate committee over the foreshore and seabed legislation was "irrelevant" to her decision.
"I can't pursue with any great vigour... some issues that my more conservative electorate frown upon -- prostitution reform would have been one, civil union would be another."
No deals had been done over her position on the party list, she said.
The Wairarapa electorate committee sent the Maori MP a please explain letter over her stance on the foreshore and seabed, as it was out of line with the feelings of those who put her in Parliament.
Ms Beyer had told her electorate committee's annual meeting on April 5 she had "some personal difficulty" with the way the legislation was going.
Electorate committee chairwoman Denise Mackenzie said "she also assured us at that time that she would be voting with the Government on the legislation".
Ms Beyer did not seek the committee's permission before going to the caucus two days later with her wish to abstain.
- NZPA
