Senior Labour MP Kelvin Davis is reportedly quitting politics, with his last day to be at Waitangi next year.
1News has confirmed Davis told his caucus colleagues his plans to retire, and his intention is to make his valedictory speech at the start of February and officially vacate his list spot at Waitangi on February 6.
The former Corrections, Children, and Māori Crown Relations Minister subsequently confirmed in a statement that said, "now that we are no longer in government, it is time to move on to other opportunities".
“I am proud of what we delivered during my time as Minister of Corrections, Children, Maori Education and particularly as Minister of Maori Crown relations.”
“Huge progress was made in making the government a better Treaty partner.”
“Although that progress is currently under threat with this new government, I leave knowing that our strong Labour team will hold the Coalition Government to account.”
Davis acknowledged support from the people of Te Tai Tokerau, his whanau, staff "and especially my staunchest supporters Kaye Taylor and her late husband Rudy".
“I look forward to new opportunities ahead of me," he said.
Davis entered Parliament in 2008, serving as a list MP until 2011 when he was knocked out and then returned in 2014 via the Labour Party list, winning the electorate of Te Tai Tokerau.
Treaty role
A source told 1News Davis is moving into treaty/indigenous role in Australia, advising on what New Zealand has done in terms of Māori and Crown relationships.
Davis talked with Labour leader Chris Hipkins before announcing his intentions to caucus on Tuesday.
The next person on the list is former Banks Peninsula MP Tracey McLellan.
Davis' department mean there will be one less in Labour’s Māori caucus, dropping from nine members to eight.
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