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Former Speaker of the House and long-serving Labour politician Adrian Rurawhe is the first MP to announce their retirement ahead of this year’s general election.
Rurawhe, a four-term MP, said this morning that he informed his Labour colleagues last that he would not stand for re-election and will stepdown at the start of next month.
“Instead I will retire from Parliament and politics, effective from Waitangi Day 6 February 2026,″ he wrote in a social media post.
Rurawhe said it has been an “honour and a privilege” to have represented the Te Tai Hauāuru electorate for nine years and be a presiding officer for six, including being elected as Speaker.
Adrian Rurawhe became the speaker following Trevor Mallard's resignation in 2022. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The 64-year-old, who was first elected in 2014, said retiring will allow him the time to be involved with the kaupapa, mostly whānau and church, which politics has not.
“Retiring now also means that I will be replaced by Georgie Dansey from Ngāti Tuwharetoa, and next on the Labour Party list.
“I wish her all the very best, I’m certain that she will be a hard-working MP and will do a great job.”
