Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern has posted a tribute to her "friend and old colleague" Grant Robertson following his announcement he's stepping down from politics.
The former finance minister announced this morning that he will retire from Parliament next month to take up a role as the vice-chancellor of Otago University.
Robertson said he has given "absolutely everything I have" to his roles and acknowledged "the wider Labour whānau and my Parliamentary colleagues over 15 years for their support".
Robertson said he was "so fortunate" to serve alongside Jacinda Ardern, and said she "led our country through the unchartered waters of a terrorist attack and a global pandemic".
In an Instagram post, Jacinda Ardern credited Robertson with her journey to becoming an MP.
"When I was a list candidate for the Labour Party, it was your ranking on the regional list that determined your success," she said.
"As the brand new candidate for Wellington Central, Grant was the hot favourite for the top spot. As nominations began, someone stood to put Grant's name forward. Almost instantly Grant stood up and announced to the room 'I don't wish to be ranked, until Jacinda Ardern is'."
She described him as "selfless, thoughtful, incredibly intelligent, fiercely loyal and to top it off, one of the funniest people I know".
Ardern listed his achievements as Finance Minister, citing the establishment of the well-being framework and his "intense commitment" to supporting people through Covid-19.
"Thank you Grant, we all owe you a debt of gratitude," she concluded.
Robertson will take a break before taking on his new job in July. His retirement follows a string of MP resignations after Labour's shattering election defeat last year.
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